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.
Francis Collins emphasizes the importance of reconciling faith and science, illustrating how both can enhance understanding and resilience in humanity.
He expresses concern over the polarization in society, advocating for empathy and respectful discourse to bridge the divides created by differing political beliefs.
Collins calls for a collective recommitment to truth and honesty, warning against the dangers of misinformation and the politicization of facts.
Deep dives
The Journey of Re-Enchantment
The final episode of the season highlights the theme of re-enchantment, exploring the challenges and desires associated with finding meaning and truth in an increasingly polarized world. The hosts express gratitude for their audience's engagement and introduce their distinguished guest, Francis Collins, a renowned physician and geneticist known for his pivotal role in significant scientific advancements like the Human Genome Project. Collins discusses his latest book, 'The Road to Wisdom,' which delves into the intersections of truth, science, faith, and trust, especially in the context of his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation sets the stage for a deep exploration of how society can reclaim a sense of truth and shared human experience amidst division.
Faith and Science: A Personal Journey
Collins shares his personal journey from atheism to faith, recounting the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Christianity while establishing a successful career in science. His profound experiences with patients facing critical illnesses compelled him to reevaluate his beliefs about faith's role in human resilience. The conversation touches on how faith can provide comfort and purpose, particularly in difficult circumstances, while emphasizing that scientific inquiry and belief are not incompatible but can rather enhance each other. He attributes his eventual acceptance of Christianity to genuine exploration and intellectual grappling with the concepts of truth and morality, rather than blind indoctrination.
Navigating Political Polarization
As the discussion shifts towards political events, Collins reflects on the contentious nature of recent U.S. elections and the societal divisions they exacerbate. He expresses concern over the erosion of respectful discourse, suggesting that excessive polarization leads to a dangerous climate where individuals are labeled as 'evil' or 'misguided' for differing political beliefs. Collins advocates for fostering an 'exhausted majority' that desires to bridge these divides through empathy and understanding rather than antagonism. He calls for a collective effort to restore trust in one another and emphasizes the need for civil discussions to promote human flourishing in an increasingly fragmented society.
The Role of Truth in Society
The conversation emphasizes the importance of truth and its fragility in current discourse, prompting Collins to outline the detrimental effects of misinterpretation and the spread of misinformation. He delineates various forms of untruth, including lies, ignorance, and propaganda, and stresses that established facts should not be dismissed simply due to personal beliefs or emotions. Collins highlights the necessity of grounding discussions in objective reality and bridging gaps through shared understanding rather than selective reasoning. He also warns against the politicization of truth, advocating for a recommitment to honesty and integrity in public discourse.
A Call to Action and Hope
In the concluding segments, Collins offers a vision of hope rooted in active faith and communal effort, urging listeners to pursue wisdom that transcends cynicism and despair. He proposes that individuals can cultivate enough 'foolishness' to believe in positive change, encouraging engagement with differing perspectives rather than avoidance. The call to action involves uniting for the common goal of fostering trust and understanding in a divided world, emphasizing small steps that can lead to greater societal healing. Collins expresses optimism that with a shared commitment to promoting a culture of trust, knowledge, and compassion, society can navigate the complexities of modern existence.
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?
