Re: [asa] The Criticism Begins

In responding to what is sure to be criticism of this nomination from
Dawkins, Coyne et al we need to remember that the greatest threat to the
plausibility of their message is evidence that scientists can be religious
believers. (& not only that, but that they can be so in intellectually
coherent - though not necessarily compelling - ways.) Of course there is
already plenty of evidence to that effect, but having a scientist who is a
Christian in a position like head of NIH would be a standing public
refutation of the atheists' claim.

I realize that some Christians - especially among evolution deniers & ID
proponents - will question whether Collins' science-religion views are
"coherent" Maybe if they announce publically that he "isn't Christian
enough" (because he accepts evolution &c) that can effectively counter any
suspicion that Collins himself might hold "creationist" views. But probably
the best thing for such folks to do at this point is be quiet.

Shalom
George
http://home.roadrunner.com/~scitheologyglm

----- Original Message -----
From: "George Cooper" <georgecooper@sbcglobal.net>
To: <asa@calvin.edu>
Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2009 10:26 AM
Subject: RE: [asa] The Criticism Begins

> The article ignored the other side of the coin; Collin's religious
> background is a great asset in working with religious leaders over the
> moral
> aspects of the activity of the NIH. How could this detail get missed
> except
> by those who choose to ignore it?
>
> Besides, they completely missed the fact that he is a guitar player and
> entertainer (at least at commencements) and that's worth a lot these days.
> *wink* [I too play guitar.]
>
> "Coope"
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [mailto:asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu] On
> Behalf Of Iain Strachan
> Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2009 6:46 AM
> To: Jack Haas
> Cc: asa@calvin.edu
> Subject: Re: [asa] The Criticism Begins
>
> Hi, Jack,
>
> I'm wondering if your thread title is correct.
>
> Although the headline seems scornful, I got the impression from the
> article that its tone was deliberately neutral - only noting that some
> people are going to be upset by the nomination.
>
> It is often the case that a provocative headline is put there just to
> attract attention to the article.
>
> Iain
>
> On Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 11:43 AM, Jack Haas<haas.john@comcast.net> wrote:
>> Is God-fearing, gene-hunter Francis Collins fit to run NIH?
>>
>> Today, President Barack Obama announced gene-hunter Francis Collins as
>> his
>> nominee for the new director for the National Institutes of Health. If
>> the
>> President's nomination is confirmed, Collins will direct the nation's
>> premiere medical research agency and be responsible for $29.5 billion
> worth
>> of scientific research.
>>
>> Collins reputation as a scientist is indisputable. But what may give some
>> people pause about this nomination is Collins' faith in a Christian God.
>> Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins probably would not think that
> Collins
>> would be a fit candidate for the job of running NIH. During an interview
> on
>> the Bill Maher Show in April 2008. Dawkins likened Collins belief in God
> to
>> a belief in an "imaginary friend" and referred to him as "not a bright
> guy.
>> ...
>>
> http://www.examiner.com/x-6378-Baltimore-Science-News-Examiner~y2009m7d8-Is-
> Godfearing-genehunter-Francis-Collins-fit-to-run-NIH
>>
>> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090708/ap_on_go_ot/us_nih_chief
>
>
>
> --
> -----------
> Non timeo sed caveo
> (\__/)
> (='.'=)
> (")_(") This is a bunny copy him into your signature so he can gain
> world domination
> -----------
>
>
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Received on Thu Jul 9 11:16:56 2009