Why Do Scientists Struggle to Believe in God? (C1)

Questions

What is the main purpose of science according to Francis Collins in the transcript?
How does Collins differentiate between scientific questions and those addressed by faith?
Why do some scientists view faith as a threat to the scientific method?
What philosophical questions does Collins mention that science cannot address?
How does Collins describe the relationship between science and religion?
What does Collins suggest about the perception of extreme views in the scientific community?
According to Collins, what evidence supports Darwin’s theory of evolution?
What does Collins mean by saying that science can answer „how” questions but not „why” questions?
How does the concept of constants in the universe lead Collins to contemplate the possibility of a higher intelligence?
What stance does Collins take regarding the laws of nature and their relationship to a potential mind or intelligence?

Answers

1. The main purpose of science is to get rigorous answers to questions about how nature works.
2. Collins differentiates by stating that scientific questions are empirical, while faith addresses more philosophical inquiries.
3. Some scientists view faith as a threat because they believe it conflicts with the scientific method.
4. Collins mentions questions like „Why are we all here?” and „Is there a God?” as those science cannot address.
5. He describes the relationship as one where both science and religion can coexist and address different kinds of questions.
6. Collins suggests that extreme views dominate the conversation, overshadowing more moderate perspectives.
7. He states that Darwin’s theory is supported by evidence from genetics and the concept of descent from a common ancestor.
8. Collins explains that science can explain „how” things happen, but often leaves the „why” questions unanswered.
9. The constants in the universe lead him to consider the improbability of their existence, suggesting a possible intelligence behind it.
10. Collins believes that while the laws of nature could be the product of a mind, once established, nature operates independently of that mind.