Francis Collins! (Bill Maher spoiler)

[question everything]

I have known of Francis Collins for many years as a bright scientist. I did not realize that he believes that "god put morality" into humans' brains, after the evolution. As was mentioned on Bill Maher. I have known many scientists who can separate their religious beliefs from their scientific work, but this is hard to swallow.

Anyone?

[grantcart]

1. Even scientists who disagree with Collins belief that evolution has

had an intersection with Deity agree that his scientific work remains untouched by his personal beliefs.


I really don't care that he believes that about evolution, it is a reasonable belief and unproveable either way.

I am more impressed that he supports evolution against creationism, stem cell research and science in all forms.

The fact that his religious beliefs motivate him to donate time to help the poor in Africa puts him in a higher rating (in my book) than those who have a purely scientific outlook but don't bother to help the poor.

[Warpy]

3. I'm with you, his scientific credentials are impeccable

and I really don't care what gets him through a long and lonely night.

He's completely unlike the faith based crazies Stupid appointed. Those were incompetent people for whom faith trumped evidence every time. That's why they were so dangerous.

That's why Collins is not.

[grantcart]

7. Agreed on all points and there is one more

If anything comes up by the crazies in congress on a religious/scientific access he will destroy them.

Republican Congressman respect him and in a way fear him for his science.

Anything like stem cell or getting involved in another Terri Schiavo and he will eliminate their argument with authority.

[LostInAnomie]

2. It's a load of shit.

If it were true our view of morality wouldn't be in a state of constant change. There would also be universal taboos or at least some behavior that is unacceptable to every person. As any student of history can tell you, there is always some "moral" justification for anything.

[pansypoo53219]

5. not all believer are into

the bibley crap. i do not believe in talking snakes.

[LostInAnomie]

6. I'm not even talking about "bibley crap".

Just looks at the sweeping moral changes that have taken place in the past 100 years. Divorce, pre-marital sex, homosexuality, etc. In the past they were considered scandalously immoral. Now, we hardly even blink an eye. This isn't because we've turned our back on morality, it's because morality has always had a social component and is dependent on social mores. If it was somehow encoded in our DNA our ideas of what is moral and what is not wouldn't change.

[Motown_Johnny]

4. all social animals have their own type of Morality.. Wolves don't kill and eat each other