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Francis Collins’ faith, science mix still cause for debate as he takes over NIH

Francis Collins (NIH photograph)

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Note: The Skinny blog is written by Rick Smith, editor and co-founder of Local Tech Wire and business editor of WRAL.com.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The confirmation of UNC-CH Medical School graduate Francis Collins as National Institutes of Health director has done little to quell the continuing debate about the wisdom of President Obama’s choice.

Collins has been outspoken in acknowledgement of his conversion to Christianity, and that choice of faith rattles those who can’t mix science with God. Few if any question Collins’ qualifications as a researcher and scientist as well as his work as head of the Human Genome Project. But being a man of God is something some critics refuse to accept.

Sam Harris, author of “The End of Faith,” which was a New York Times best-seller, wrote recently:
“Must we really entrust the future of biomedical research in the United States to a man who believes that understanding ourselves through science is impossible, while our resurrection from death is inevitable?”

Yet Harris also acknowledged:

“One must admit that his credentials are impeccable: he is a physical chemist, a medical geneticist, and the former head of the Human Genome Project. He is also, by his own account, living proof that there is no conflict between science and religion.”

Francisco Ayala, who received the U.S. National Medal of Science in 2001 and is a biology professor at the University of California at Irvine, took a different view of Collins’ faith and new job.

“So what if Collins is a born-again Christian?,” he wrote in the Los Angeles Times. “What if he were a Catholic, a Jewish or a Muslim geneticist? I don't think it should matter, as long as religious faith does not determine scientific or managerial decisions.

“Do I expect Collins to use his office as NIH director to promote religion? No. His past career -- both scientific and administrative -- justifies this expectation. Would I be concerned that a lapsed Catholic or a fully convinced atheist, if one were appointed NIH director, would use the office to promote atheism or attack religion? I wouldn't, as long as their resumes would not show such transgressions in the past or give reason to anticipate them in the future.”

In a companion piece, Michael Sherme, the publisher of Skeptic magazine, took a much different view:

“There is no question that Collins is qualified scientifically to direct the National Institutes of Health, but I have two reasons for believing that there is a non-trivial chance that his religious convictions will influence his decisions as a policymaker for science,” he wrote.

“One, the very nature of being an evangelical Christian -- which Collins self-identifies as -- means that you should evangelize for the Lord. Serious evangelicals evangelize not just on Sundays but every day, in every way, never hiding their lantern under a bushel …

“Two, to paraphrase Gen. George S. Patton's mistaken proclamation to Erwin Rommel on what he thought was their confrontation in North Africa, ‘Collins, you magnificent (bleep), I read your book!’ Francisco, you mention Collins' book, ‘The Language of God,’ which is a well-written, honest and genuinely conciliatory effort at bridging the divide between science and religion. I quote it often in my debates with creationists because someone with considerable scientific status in their religious camp nevertheless explains so clearly why intelligent design is bunk.”

On Aug. 17, Collins was sowrn in as the NIH head. In taking the job, he stated: "I am truly honored and humbled to take the helm today of the world's leading organization supporting biomedical research. The scientific opportunities in both the basic and clinical realms are unprecedented, and the talent and dedication of the grantees and the staff guarantee that this will be a truly exciting era."

Given the loud debate about the direction of healthcare in the U.S., especially when it comes to treatment for seniors and waging war against the ravages of age and disease, Collins will play a crucial role in the coming years. He will shape the NIH research agenda in his own vision. His strong background in genetics will hopefully lead to more insight, inspiration and funding of genetic research that can lead to improved personalized healthcare. When Collins helped map the genome, a new ear of drug discovery seemed at hand. The march toward solutions hasn’t been as fast as many believed, but hope remains.

The debate about Collins’ faith will never be solved to the liking of everyone, but the focus now will be on the results he delivers.

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