A young man who wishes to remain a sound Atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. There are traps everywhere — 'Bibles laid open, millions of surprises,' as Herbert says, 'fine nets and stratagems.' God is, if I may say it, very unscrupulous." – CS Lewis
Francis Collins
On Monday, October 4, 2010, Al Mohler wrote an excellent article for his blog entitled Between the Boy and the Bridge — A Haunting Question.
He dealt with the tragic suicide of a Rutgers student, Tyler Clementi, whose “friends” filmed, without his permission, his gay sexual encounter with another man. They then posted this video for the world to see. Tyler committed suicide soon after. The posting of this video has sparked outrage from around the globe. Mohler said the following:
“I am haunted by the one question that seems so obvious and clear in the account of Tyler Clementi's tragic death. In those days of crushing anguish, humiliation, and confusion, was there no one who could have stood between that boy and that bridge?”
This is a question that needs to be asked quite frequently in Christian circles. We claim that we want to reach the lost but we are often hindered by our personal biases, theology committed to secondary beliefs and a profound gap between our life experiences and those we are trying to reach. Yet God has gifted us each uniquely in order that we might carry out his divine command to reach the whole world, without exception, for the Gospel.
Francis Collins is universally regarded as one of the finest scientists of our generation. He mapped the human genome and will win (and should win) the Nobel Prize for his work. His work has profound implications for medicine. Genetic therapy, based on his groundbreaking work, will lead to cures for many diseases. Collin holds both an MD and PhD. During his training for his medical degree at the University of North Carolina, Collins became convinced of the existence of God when he was forced to confront the reality of death in his patiends.. He became a Christian and considers himself to be Baptist in denomination. He has a great love for CS Lewis and believes in miracles such as the Virgin Birth, etc. He believes that God is the Creator. He is also a committed theistic evolutionist and believes that perspective and Christianity are compatible. Here is a link to the Wikipedia article. You may link to his blog at Biologos from our blog roll.
Much has been written about the vehemence and growing international prominence of the New Atheists. They have little use for Christians or any other religion, for that matter. They look at believers with derision and believe that religion is a net negative for society. The four men often associated with this movement are Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris and Bart Ehrman. Many well-known Christians have debated these men but have been unable to move them from their staunch, rabid stand against faith. In fact they believe God followers to be stupid and deceived.
Yet, I believe that God loves these men and wants to reach them for the gospel. However, many Christians I know believe that these men are beyond redemption, have hardend hearts and should be relegated to the pit of hell. I have an example of this in a few paragraphs.
However, there is a rather interesting development in this saga. Christopher Hitchens, a hard drinking man of impressive intellect, has been diagnosed with a tumor in his esophagus. His prognosis is not stellar.
Hitchens has been writing about his struggle with this disease in a fascinating series in Vanity Fair. Although I have read Dawkins, Harris and Ehrman, I have not had the occasion to read Hitchens. He just seemed too angry to me and not worth my time.
However, I have been reading his series with great interest and I have a confession to make. He is a brilliant writer and I have found his writing to be compellingly whimsical. What a surprise! He irritates and frustrates me but I find myself laughing and crying in spite of his cussedness. He seems a bit like GK Chesterton minus the faith and a bit rough around the edges. I think I finally understand his appeal to the masses. Here is a link to the particular piece in Vogue that I want to highlight, called Unanswered Prayers.
Hitchens discusses how some Christians have responded to his diagnosis and prints one verbatim from a web site.
“You haven’t lived, if I can put it like this, until you have read contributions such as this on the Web sites of the faithful:
Who else feels Christopher Hitchens getting terminal throat cancer [sic] was God’s revenge for him using his voice to blaspheme him? Atheists like to ignore FACTS. They like to act like everything is a “coincidence”. Really? It’s just a “coincidence” [that] out of any part of his body, Christopher Hitchens got cancer in the one part of his body he used for blasphemy? Yea, keep believing that Atheists. He’s going to writhe in agony and pain and wither away to nothing and then die a horrible agonizing death, and THEN comes the real fun, when he’s sent to HELLFIRE forever to be tortured and set afire.”
His response to this tirade is fascinating and rather logical.
"First, which mere primate is so damn sure that he can know the mind of god?
Second, would this anonymous author want his views to be read by my unoffending children, who are also being given a hard time in their way, and by the same god?
Third, why not a thunderbolt for yours truly, or something similarly awe-inspiring? The vengeful deity has a sadly depleted arsenal if all he can think of is exactly the cancer that my age and former “lifestyle” would suggest that I got.
Fourth, why cancer at all? Almost all men get cancer of the prostate if they live long enough: it’s an undignified thing but quite evenly distributed among saints and sinners, believers and unbelievers.
If you maintain that god awards the appropriate cancers, you must also account for the numbers of infants who contract leukemia. Devout persons have died young and in pain. Bertrand Russell and Voltaire, by contrast, remained spry until the end, as many psychopathic criminals and tyrants have also done. These visitations, then, seem awfully random. With my so far uncancerous throat, let me rush to assure my Christian correspondent above, is not at all the only organ with which I have blasphemed."
He then goes on to discuss the response of Christians and others around the world. You will note that Larry Taunton of Fixed Point is one of those. There is a link to his site on our blog roll. On Monday I shall be discussing a lecture by Hugh Ross that I attended at Fixed Point in Birmingham.
"Of the astonishing and flattering number of people who wrote to me when I fell so ill, very few failed to say one of two things. Either they assured me that they wouldn’t offend me by offering prayers or they tenderly insisted that they would pray anyway. Devotional Web sites consecrated special space to the question. (If you should read this in time, by all means keep in mind that September 20 has already been designated “Everybody Pray for Hitchens Day.”)
Pat Archbold, at the National Catholic Register, and Deacon Greg Kandra were among the Roman Catholics who thought me a worthy object of prayer. Rabbi David Wolpe, author of Why Faith Matters and the leader of a major congregation in Los Angeles, said the same. He has been a debating partner of mine, as have several Protestant evangelical conservatives like Pastor Douglas Wilson of the New St. Andrews College and Larry Taunton of the Fixed Point Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. Both wrote to say that their assemblies were praying for me. And it was to them that it first occurred to me to write back, asking: Praying for what?"
He goes on to assess this situation. I particularly like the quote by Voltaire at the end.
“If I were to announce that I had suddenly converted to Catholicism, I know that Larry Taunton and Douglas Wilson would feel I had fallen into grievous error. On the other hand, if I were to join either of their Protestant evangelical groups, the followers of Rome would not think my soul was much safer than it is now, while a late-in-life decision to adhere to Judaism or Islam would inevitably lose me many prayers from both factions. I sympathize afresh with the mighty Voltaire, who, when badgered on his deathbed and urged to renounce the devil, murmured that this was no time to be making enemies.”
However, his response to Francis Collins is fascinating. I think all Christians could learn something from this. First he introduces Collins, showing his profound respect for his accomplishments. He trusts him because he is a dedicated scientist. This is someone Hitchens can relate to. (Bold print is my addition).I can assure you that Hitchens rarely gives anyone accolades.
“I have saved the best of the faithful until the last. Dr. Francis Collins is one of the greatest living Americans. He is the man who brought the Human Genome Project to completion, ahead of time and under budget, and who now directs the National Institutes of Health. In his work on the genetic origins of disorder, he helped decode the “misprints” that cause such calamities as cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease. He is working now on the amazing healing properties that are latent in stem cells and in “targeted” gene-based treatments. This great humanitarian is also a devotee of the work of C. S. Lewis and in his book The Language of God has set out the case for making science compatible with faith. (This small volume contains an admirably terse chapter informing fundamentalists that the argument about evolution is over, mainly because there is no argument.) I know Francis, too, from various public and private debates over religion.”
Now lets take a look at how Collins approaches him. He shows a profound understanding of the needs and wants of Hitchens. Collins knows Hitchens' opinion of prayer so he uses a different approach. Maybe it isn’t a calculated tactic at all but an outpouring of genuine love and compassion with no strings attached. Maybe a bit like Christ Himself? As the recipient of such visits from kind friends when my daughter was battling cancer, I can tell you that nothing speaks volumes than a busy person taking time to be there.
“He has been kind enough to visit me in his own time and to discuss all sorts of novel treatments, only recently even imaginable, that might apply to my case. And let me put it this way: he hasn’t suggested prayer, and I in turn haven’t teased him about The Screwtape Letters.”
What is Hitchens take away point from this. Do I detect a bit of softening in this attack dog? Note that he calls Collins “our most selfless Christian physician.” He so respects Collins that he wants to identify with him. Note what he believes that many Christians think about him. Sad.Is it true?
“So those who want me to die in agony are really praying that the efforts of our most selfless Christian physician be thwarted. Who is Dr. Collins to interfere with the divine design? By a similar twist, those who want me to burn in hell are also mocking those kind religious folk who do not find me unsalvageably evil.”
Then Hitchens returns to his more typical diatribe against the issue of faith. Yet we are left with a momentary glimmer, that all is not hopeless, and that maybe, just maybe, a man like Francis Collins can make a difference in this unique arena.
Perhaps Collins is, as we Christians like to say, a man created for such a time as this. Yet so many in the YE crowd deride Collins stating that he is a heretic for his beliefs in theistic evolution. Al Mohler has also made it a point to vocally disagree with Collins’ theological conclusions. Might they be missing something?
I think Francis Collins may be an answer to Mohler’s question about the Tyler Clementi tragedy. Collins is the one standing between the bridge and the water for Hitchens and others in the New Atheist movement. I, for one, see God’s hand in uniquely qualifying, gifting and placing Collins in the eyes of an admiring world for a time such as this.
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Great post.
I really enjoy Hitchens. I think that his contribution to issues related to the War on Terror have been very valuable.
Atheists are very argumentative and evangelistic by nature. I rarely try to talk to atheists about God. If they bring it up, I try to answer sincerely and move on, but I don’t press the issue. But I have friends who are atheists, and I try to be a good friend to them, as I would want them to be toward me.
In my opinion, Hitchens’ main appreciation for Collins is that Collins has done something substantive for mankind. I suspect that as it relates to preachers, even one with Collins’ demeanor and belief and way of handling himself, Hitchens could give a rip.
So, the main take away for me is that if Christians want to be highly thought of for something other than their theological opinions, do something worth being highly thought of.
Collins did. He did something very hard and incredible. He made less money than he could have in other ways with his background. And what he did will help people. That’s what Hitchens appreciates.
I think it is a mistake to think that we are going to really impress people like Hitchens by being nice and cordial and more sophisticated than the unsophisticated fundamentalists.
Kindness and sensitivity is presumed for sincere Christians. You don’t get points for that. You can lose points by being a jerk or stupid. But we shouldn’t think that because we are moderated, loving people that a guy like Hitchens is going to be impressed. That will help AFTER one does something for mankind.
I really enjoy Hitchens. There is some great stuff on Youtube featuring him. The debate with William F. Buckley is priceless.
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Oh, and I also think (and I am not saying that you are saying this) that trying to impress people like Hitchens is a mistake. Guys like Hitches pick up on that. Trying too hard. Plus, it gives men like Hitchens an advantage in debates etc. If they sense that we are too afraid to be pointed and say what we really think because we are trying to be super kind to win their approval, we LOSE respect from them. And they will pummel us rather than admire us, but may not say why.
No one likes a suck up!
A guy like Hitchens actually appreciates hard nose people who are honest.
It helps, too, if we take logical positions on matters.
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Isn’t Hitchens’ brother a devout Christian?
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Annonymous
Yes his brother is a Christian. They had a falling out years ago but apparently are trying to reconcile. He wrote a book-I need to find out the title.
As for the trying thing, Collins is being Collins. He is faithful to the path God has set before him. In so doing he is able to reach people few of us could.He is being kind because he truly is kind and concerned. It’s real-not a fake put on. And I have found that some sincere Christians are not the kindest on the planet. They can be arrogant and condescending but they sure are sincere.
Also, in debate, I say come out swinging. I heard Ehrman debate D’Souza at UNC CH and enjoyed the exchange.I, too, appreciate good logic. i thought Hitchens was quite adept in his response to the lovely individual who claimed that Hitchens got his cancer because God is punishing him.
There was a book called Blinded by Might written about 15 years ago. The premise is that most people are more impressed by Christian who do good things as opposed to Christians who do a bunch of pontificating in the political arena. Its the old “put your money where you mouth is.” I agree that Christians should be in the business of caring about others. not out of compulsion but out of a genuine desire to love others. That is what I think Collins is doing.
Thank you for your input. i found this topic fascinating and your comments gave depth to the issue.
Blessings
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Thanks. It was a great post. I admire Collins greatly.
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I commented late on the previous post and discussion:
On Truth
As a scientist, lawyer and faithful Christian, I always find discussions of the “truth” of the Bible problematic. I hold a very high view of the Bible — it is true in what it teaches us of the character and person of God, of our need for redemption from our human nature to choose our own way rather than His, and of His costly and gracious offer of redemption through Jesus the Christ. That is what I call a theological, philosophical and/or epistemological truth.
One must understand that the people who received the divine inspiration had a limited background to understand scientific concepts. What was first an oral tradition, passed on with great effort at maintaining the consistency of it over time, was then put into writing during the Babylonian exile, some 500 or so years before the birth of Jesus. Any reports that approached the current scientific understanding of the origins of the universe, earth, and humankind, with due credit to God’s role, would have been immediately rejected as contrary to everyday experience. (Much as today, most people reject the YE position as contrary to common scientific knowledge). Our infinitely wise God put the theological truths into a framework that the people of the time could understand and believe.
What does Genesis really teach about these things? God preexisted the universe as we know it. God chose to create. God created human beings with some of his characteristics. God gave humans the ability to choose for good or evil (His way or my way. Theos or ego.) Choosing ego over God results in a broken relationship. God wants to mend that relationship with us, which can happen if we accept Him.
The Bible speaks little about the underlying processes, and then in figurative language. To try to read it literally is to strip it of its greater truths.
Literal truth is a low form of truth. Literary truth — the truth of the message behind the words is a higher form. Theological truth is higher yet, because it is the truth of God’s purposes.
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Dee,
I enjoyed this post very much!
Showing compassion to others, especially those who are not Christians, was my take away from the Ehrman/D’Souza debate we attended on the campus of UNC.
I LOVE your point that Francis Collins became a Christian while earning his medical degree at UNC. For those of you who don’t know much about Bart Ehrman, he is the head of the ReligionDepartment at Collins’ alma mater.
Even though Ehrman is a popular professor, I am happy to report that there is a strong Christian community on campus. My older daughter, who will graduate from UNC this May, has greatly deepened her faith while there.
I am challenged by Collins’ example and consider him to be a great role model for those of us who profess Jesus Christ.
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It continues to amaze me how cruel and opposite of true Christianity those who claim the name of Christian can be. I have seen and heard it for years, even being a part of it for a short time I am ashamed to say. But in my heart I didn’t feel good about it and have learned to trust the heart as this is where I believe the Holy Spirit speaks. Religious bullies now anger me. How can we win a world to Christ when leaving messages like the above you mentioned. Answer: We can’t.
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Speaking of interpreting scientific data according to a pre-determined agenda (whether biblical literalism or philosophical naturalism), here’s an interesting bit of satire:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/historians-admit-to-inventing-ancient-greeks,18209/
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Dr Junkster
You have now earned your PhD in fun! I love the Onion and this is one of the funnier posts I have read. What is even funnier is that I have been a recipient, over the years, of forwarded emails that apparently take some of these stories seriously. Most people I know do not forward emails to me anymore because I have a habit of informing them that their sources are often satire.
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I am glad that you saw the ugliness. I am convinced that there is a coarsening of the Christian message and we are beginning to sound like the average bully than one who is clothed in humility like our Savior.
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I had the pleasure of meeting francis collins at a conference 8 years ago. To this day, his demeanor left a lasting impression. I think he is saving many science students from faith suicide.
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Likeachild
As I said, perhaps Collins is God’s special man for such a time as this. He can bridge the gap between science and faith and help scientists and theologians begin to talk and trust one another. There will always be extremists on both sides, for example Ham and Dawkins, but there are many, many good people in the gap.
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ARCE
What a wise summary. You sound so much like one of my current pastors-one of the good guys. We miss so much by extreme literalism. For example, I have written about someone I know who absolutely insists that there is a big pearl on the gate in heaven because that is what the text says. How much she misses by this view. Think about the story of the pearl of great price. Perhaps this pearl is supposed to be symbolic that our entrance to heaven has been bought by a great price-Jesus. And we are so loved by Jesus that He sees as as this valuable pearl. A pearl is usually white, representing purity which is what we are clothed in because of Jesus.
I think some people fear the greater truths because literalism is easy. Theological truths demands more from the believer-we need to study and contemplate, wrestle with the meaning. CS Lewis once said that no one is condemned to hell for believing that God has a white beard. I agree but they have a far more shallow view of who He is that those who understand things less superficially.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to drop in and comment. I appreciate it!
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Deb:
One of my god daughters is a freshman at UNC.
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Annonymous,
I hope your god daughter has found a Christian group on campus. It REALLY makes a difference! Campus Crusade (known as “Cornerstone”) has been wonderful for my daughter. She started participating in “Cru” as they fondly call it when she first arrived as a freshman, and she is still extremely committed as a senior. Most of her friends are strong Christians, and she found them through this campus ministry.
The most exciting thing she has done with Campus Crusade is the Tribeca Summer Project. Last summer she spent five weeks in NYC sharing her faith with students on various college campuses. It was truly life changing for her!
Attending UNC was a great choice for my daughter because she has had many opportunities to witness to her friends who are not Christians. She looks back over her experience and sees how being in a secular college has strengthened her faith. Unfortunately, many Christian college students succumb to peer pressure, and that is very troubling to both my daughter and me.
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Dee,
No one takes all of the Bible literally. There is an op-ed on the New York Times today that is a quiz that will make you question every bad thing that was said about Islam, because most of the same can be said, if you take the basis as proof-texts out of the Bible, about Christianity. And then do the same with history!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/opinion/10kristof.html?src=ISMR_HP_LO_MST_FB
We need to give everyone the right to tell us what they believe and practice, not impose on them what we think they believe and practice.
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Arce, The difference is the Holy Spirit.
I have a brilliant cousin who has a PhD in theology, taught Humanities for years and was a Dean of a well known University. He knows the Bible better than anyone I have ever met. He is agnostic.
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ARCE
I know exactly what you are saying. Far too many people used the Bible to justify slavery. The even used it to assign a lesser worth to those with different color skin. Of course, the Bible does not say this but it is amazing the number of people who pull things out of context and claim their “truth.”
Today we see the travesty of the heath and wealth gospel which has grabbed much support from the Christiaan community.Albeit a very deceived christian community.
You know, ARCE, I have become so jaded about those who claim to be Christians. Now, when someone tells me that they are Christians, I often ask which Jesus they follow. Even sadder, their answers give me justification for asking such a question.
Thanks for you insights!
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If you are in the Billings, Montana area, you might be interested in attending a debate on October 18 between Christopher Hitchens and Larry Tauton of the Fixed Point Foundation. The topic for the debate is:”God or No God?”
For more information, follow this link:
http://www.fixed-point.org/
It appears they will have live streaming of the debate.
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Deb:
Thanks. I’ll ask her about Cornerstone and will encourage her to attend.