Francis Collins, a prominent physician and geneticist, is known for his pivotal role in the Human Genome Project and contributions to cystic fibrosis research. He discusses navigating truth and trust amid societal polarization, especially concerning the upcoming presidential election. Collins shares insights from his new book on the intersection of faith and science, recounting his transformative journey toward belief. He emphasizes the significance of compassion and understanding in today's divisive climate, advocating for love and open dialogue.
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Conversion Story
Francis Collins shares his journey from atheism to Christianity, prompted by witnessing patients' faith during medical school.
C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity played a pivotal role in his conversion.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Research Failure
Francis Collins describes an early research failure that led him to tears in a bathroom stall.
Mentors and his pastor encouraged him, highlighting that failure is a learning opportunity, not a personal flaw.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Vaccine Triumph
Belle Tindall recounts her emotional experience getting the COVID vaccine, connecting it to Collins's work.
Collins describes the emotional moment of learning the vaccine was 95% effective.
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The Road to Wisdom: On truth, science, faith and trust
On truth, science, faith and trust
Francis Collins
Francis Collins's "The Road to Wisdom" explores the intersection of truth, science, faith, and trust in a polarized world. It delves into personal and professional challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book examines the erosion of trust in institutions and the importance of seeking wisdom from diverse sources. Collins shares his own journey of faith, highlighting the compatibility of science and belief. Ultimately, it advocates for bridging divides through respectful dialogue and a commitment to truth.
Keeping the Faith
God, Democracy, and the Trial That Riveted a Nation
Brenda Wineapple
In 'Keeping the Faith', Brenda Wineapple delves into the early years of the twentieth century to illuminate the pivotal 1925 Scopes trial. This trial, which captivated the nation, exposed profound divisions in America over issues such as the meaning of freedom, religion, education, censorship, and civil liberties. The book focuses on the legal showdown between Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, and it explores how these conflicts continue to resonate in contemporary America. Wineapple also examines the broader historical context, including racism, intolerance, and the rise of fundamentalism, and how these factors intersected with the debate over evolution and its teaching in public schools.
Mere Christianity
C.S. Lewis
In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style[1][2][4].
Francis Collins is a physician and geneticist whose groundbreaking work has led to the discovery of the cause of cystic fibrosis among other diseases. He led the Human Genome Project which first sequenced the entire human DNA, established the science-faith organisation BioLogos, and has gone on to serve 3 US presidents as the director of the National Institutes of Health
Francis’ new book is titled ‘The Road To Wisdom: On truth, science, faith and trust’ and covers some of the controversies and challenges he has faced personally in his public role as a scientist and government advisor leading the USA’s Covid response during the height of the pandemic.
In the light of the 2024 presidential election Justin and Belle talk to Francis about whether we can re-enchant truth, trust and wisdom in an increasingly polarised world.
Francis Collins: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Road-Wisdom-Truth-Science-Faith/dp/1399822314
For Re-Enchanting: https://www.seenandunseen.com/podcast
There’s more to life than the world we can see. Re-Enchanting is a podcast from Seen & Unseen recorded at Lambeth Palace Library, the home of the Centre for Cultural Witness. Justin Brierley and Belle Tindall engage faith and spirituality with leading figures in science, history, politics, art and education. Can our culture be re-enchanted by the vision of Christianity?
Re-Enchanting 
