We revisit a riveting dialogue from Season 4 of The Big Conversation, from 2022. With their diametrically opposed beliefs on the ideas around God's existence, Francis Collins, a geneticist who found faith in Christianity, and Richard Dawkins, renowned atheist author and evolutionary biologist debate biology, belief and COVID: can science and fight be reconciled? We also look at Dawkins' recent exchange with Christian philosopher Richard Swinburne, as a natural extension to some of the issues discussed with Francis Collins, and will also give you a sneak peek of an exhilarating two-parter coming up in Season 5 of The Big Conversation: a debate on a pressing contemporary topic! Register for early access to new Big Conversation episodes, as well as hours of exclusive video and ebook content - including the bonus clip of Dawkins and Collins discussing genetics: https://thebigconversation.show Watch the full "Mystery of Existence" discussion, featuring Dawkins and Swinburne: Part One: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/unbelievable-the-mystery-of-existence-why-is-there-something-rather-than-nothing-part-1-with-richard-dawkins-jessica-frazier-silvia-jonas-richard-swinburne-and-jack-symes/16076.article Part Two: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/unbelievable-the-mystery-of-existence-where-did-natural-environments-and-complex-organisms-came-from-part-2-with-richard-dawkins-jessica-frazier-silvia-jonas-richard-swinburne/16119.article For the book "Coming to Faith Through Dawkins": https://www.kregel.com/biography/coming-to-faith-through-dawkins/ • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Francis Collins is the director of the NIH and former head of the Human Genome Project. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: – Ten Thousand: https://www.tenthousand.cc/ and use code LEX to get 15% off – Allform: https://allform.com/lex to get 20% off – SimpliSafe: https://simplisafe.com/lex and use code LEX to get a free security camera – NI: https://www.ni.com/perspectives – Magic Spoon: https://magicspoon.com/lex and use code LEX to get $5 off EPISODE LINKS: Francis’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/NIHDirector NIH: https://www.nih.gov Human Genome Project: https://www.genome.gov/human-genome-project PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: – Check out the sponsors above, it’s the best way to support this podcast – Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman – Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman – Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) – Introduction (07:44) – Lab-leak theory (10:51) – Gain-of-function research of viruses (23:00) – Bioterrorism (27:30) – Tony Fauci (37:41) – COVID Vaccines (43:46) – Joe Rogan (50:49) – Variants (55:31) – Rapid at home testing (59:44) – Animal testing (1:05:09) – Stepping down as director of the NIH (1:09:03) – Barack Obama (1:11:06) – Accelerating Medicines Partnership (1:21:44) – Faith (1:27:12) – Fear of death (1:30:15) – Meaning of life

Dr. Francis Collins, the former NIH director, reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic and the erosion of public trust in science. He discusses the rapid vaccine development and the factors that fueled misinformation and skepticism. The conversation delves into the historical roots of vaccine hesitancy and offers insights on rebuilding trust through open dialogue. Collins also shares his personal journey with prostate cancer, emphasizing the power of storytelling in promoting preventive health and the role of advancements in genomic science.

Francis Collins, the former director of the NIH and author of The Road to Wisdom, shares his incredible journey from atheism to faith. He discusses the intersection of science and belief, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for skepticism to combat misinformation. Collins highlights the significance of the Sermon on the Mount and reflects on the challenges of societal division. Their conversation includes insights on artificial intelligence and the importance of discernment in both faith and scientific inquiry.

Jonathan Haidt and Francis Collins discuss the children's mental health crisis, attributing it to social media. Haidt proposes solutions for homes, schools, and governments. They highlight the impact of social media on youth mental health, especially for girls. The podcast also explores the role of faith communities in addressing mental health challenges.

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.

Francis Collins, a renowned scientist and physician, shares his insights on the troubling erosion of trust in science and institutions. He emphasizes the need for humility and wisdom in bridging societal divides through open dialogue. The conversation dives into the interplay between truth, science, and faith, particularly in the COVID-19 context. Collins reflects on personal beliefs and the role of faith in unifying communities. He advocates for restoring trust by recognizing shared values, aiming to heal societal rifts with integrity and competence.

Dr. Francis Collins, former NIH director and a prominent scientist of faith, discusses the intersection of science and Christianity. He explores the contentious relationship between COVID policies and trust in science, expressing concern over politicization. Collins reflects on the ethical dilemmas of fetal tissue research and critiques the handling of public health - including masking and mandates. He emphasizes the need for transparency and healing in the aftermath of the pandemic while celebrating the swift success of the COVID vaccine.

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.

In this conversation, Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the NIH and key figure in the COVID-19 response, shares insights on the pandemic's impact on communities. Wilk Wilkinson, host of Derate the Hate, discusses his critical perspectives on government actions during the crisis. They explore the emotional divisions caused by differing beliefs, the role of media in fostering distrust, and the essential need for empathy and connection to mend fractured relationships. The discussion encourages embracing diverse views for meaningful dialogue.