Dr. Francis Collins has been nominated to head the National Institute of Health. He's a fine scientist, so what could be delaying his confirmation? Collins is also fundamentalist Christian, one who has been proclaiming there is no conflict between a rational scientist and a believer in God. His positions on scientific issues -- support for embryonic stem- cell research -- prove that his faith won't get in the way of his science. That package of belief and rigorous science (a stellar resume didn't hurt) is naturally why Obama nominated him.
But the scientific community isn't convinced. Some voices are sniping that Collins is so public about his faith because it gives him a political advantage. But the scientific community as a whole doesn't like the idea of a blend of the rational and religious. They are giving Congress an earful on the matter. That has me wondering if the Fundies and their relentless attacks on science has so damaged their reputation that even one of theirs who says, "No, wait! I'm really on the side of the scientist!" is no longer believed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment