

Vaccine conspiracies, mistrust and catastrophism: How the church lost its way, with Dr Francis Collins
Nov 13, 2024
Francis Collins, a prominent geneticist and former NIH director, discusses his dual identity as a scientist and evangelical Christian. He shares his struggles to convince skeptical American Christians of the importance of vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights the growing polarization within the evangelical church and the troubling decline in trust towards science. Collins calls for a return to foundational truths while addressing the ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic selection and the profound challenges of suffering.
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Francis Collins' Journey
- Francis Collins, a geneticist and former NIH director, became a Christian in his 20s after a period of atheism.
- He has written books like "The Language of God" and "The Road to Wisdom", exploring science and faith.
Beatitudes vs. Modern Grievances
- A pastor preached on the Beatitudes, trying to counter his congregation's anger and grievance culture.
- A couple told him that Jesus' teachings on turning the other cheek don't apply to today's fights against "woke liberals."
Catastrophism and Distrust
- Many Christians have developed a sense of catastrophism, believing they are in a war against opposing forces.
- This mindset, amplified by misinformation and anger, fuels distrust, especially towards science, even among believers.