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Reply to "Francis Collins NIH Scientist and Born Again Christian"

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Originally posted by 8I:
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Originally posted by NashBama:
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Has anyone read Collin's book? I've read excerpts, the parts where he gives reasons for his beliefs. Looking at a frozen waterfall and weeping at its beauty, or the stained glass in a cathedral, etc. isn't good evidence.

He's no doubt a brilliant scientist and it is practically impossible to question his credentials. That's not the problem. The problem is his philosophy.



I agree, a frozen waterfall isn't necessarily good evidence of the existence of a higher power. That wasn't what Collins was saying. It wasn't an instant moment where he suddenly found God, but a moment that came after a long time of questioning and searching that helped things become clear for him.

As for Sam Harris' article, he has every right to his opinion. However, to judge Collin's because of his religious beliefs is no different than for a Christian to condemn someone because of their lack of belief. Dr. Collins has proven himself in the scientific and academic community. The fact that he doesn't agree with Harris on the issue of God has nothing to do with whether or not he is capable of performing his new duties.

Harris' article basically proves this statement from Tim Keller correct.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOusFD9PnsA


Nash, I noticed Keller didn't actually address or refute any material he criticized. He can ramble on until the Bills win the SuperBowl, but he needs to be specific and show some evidence. He needs to tell us why they're wrong.

As for Collins, no one is questioning his credentials, it is his philosophy, his operating system. As I've pointed out before, one can be quite educated and still have irrational beliefs. Like Muslim scholars.

Regards


It's only a three minute video. Keller has written quite a bit refuting the authors he mentioned.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...ativeASIN=0525950494

There is a number of other books by various other authors that also point out the flaws in their arguments. To refute a book requires a book, it can't be done in a three minute sound bite.

Even though I don't agree with the atheistic viewpoint, I don't consider it in itself as irrational. Irrationality comes when emotion supersedes logic. It's a trait shared by both Christians and atheists alike.

If you've listened or read anything by William Lane Craig, you'll notice that his arguments are made using logic and reason. You may disagree with his views, but I think we both can agree that his approach is on the intellectual level, not emotional. Irrationality is more due to the individuals emotions, not the group as a whole.

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