Vivian Pierce

Insights from Francis Collins’ “The Language of God”

Francis Collins, a prominent figure at the intersection of science and faith, makes a compelling case for the coexistence of these realms. He asserts, “Science does not have a moral compass. You must figure out how to best help (not hurt) humanity.” This statement underscores the ethical neutrality of science, it provides us with knowledge and tools but lacks the guidance on how they should be used.

Furthermore, Collins distinguishes the domains of science and spirituality, explaining, “Science’s domain is to explore nature. God’s domain is in the spiritual world, a realm not possible to explore with the tools and language of science. It must be examined with the heart, the mind, and the soul – and the mind must find a way to embrace both realms.” This perspective invites those in scientific fields to see no conflict between their work and their faith, but rather an opportunity to integrate both.

Reflection: If you work in a STEM field, do you often feel the need to reconcile your faith with your work? What strategies do you employ to navigate these situations?