The 'Evidence for Belief': An Interview with Francis Collins

Thursday, April 17, 2008

For some, there is an inherent conflict between science and religious belief. Indeed, some scientists, including famed evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, argue that an understanding of the natural world logically leads to atheism. But for Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project and an evangelical Christian, scientific knowledge complements rather than contradicts belief in God. In his 2006 bestselling book, The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, Collins argues that advances in science present "an opportunity for worship," rather than a catalyst for doubt. Recently, the Pew Forum interviewed Dr. Collins about his views on science and religion.

Featuring:
Francis Collins, Director, National Human Genome Research Institute

Interviewer:
David Masci, Senior Research Fellow, Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

In this Q&A:
Conflict between faith and science
The evolution controversy
Reaching out to believers
The "new atheists"
A "new theology"