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The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith, and Trust
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Language of God and former director of the National Institutes of Health, a deeply thoughtful guidebook to get us beyond politics and back to the sources of wisdom.
As the COVID-19 pandemic revealed, we have become not just a hyper-partisan society but also a deeply cynical one, distrustful of all traditional sources of knowledge and wisdom. Skepticism about vaccines led to the needless deaths of at least 250,000 Americans. “Do your own research” is now a rallying cry in many online rabbit holes. Yet experts can make mistakes, and institutions can lose their moral compass. So how can we find navigate through all this?
In The Road to Wisdom, Francis Collins reminds us of the four core sources of judgement and clear thinking: truth, science, faith, and trust. Drawing on his work from the Human Genome Project and heading the National Institutes of Health, as well as on ethics, philosophy, and Christian theology, Collins makes a robust, thoughtful case for each of these sources—their reliability, and their limits. Ultimately, he shows how they work together, not separately—and certainly not in conflict. It is only when we relink these four pillars of wisdom that we can begin to discern the best path forward in life.
Erudite, thoughtful, and deeply wise, Francis Collins leads us beyond politics to surer footing. Here is the moral, philosophical, and scientific framework with which to address the problems of our time—including threats to our democracy, partisanship, racism, and climate change—but also to guide us in our daily lives. This is a book that will repay many readings, and resolve dilemmas that we all face, every day.
As the COVID-19 pandemic revealed, we have become not just a hyper-partisan society but also a deeply cynical one, distrustful of all traditional sources of knowledge and wisdom. Skepticism about vaccines led to the needless deaths of at least 250,000 Americans. “Do your own research” is now a rallying cry in many online rabbit holes. Yet experts can make mistakes, and institutions can lose their moral compass. So how can we find navigate through all this?
In The Road to Wisdom, Francis Collins reminds us of the four core sources of judgement and clear thinking: truth, science, faith, and trust. Drawing on his work from the Human Genome Project and heading the National Institutes of Health, as well as on ethics, philosophy, and Christian theology, Collins makes a robust, thoughtful case for each of these sources—their reliability, and their limits. Ultimately, he shows how they work together, not separately—and certainly not in conflict. It is only when we relink these four pillars of wisdom that we can begin to discern the best path forward in life.
Erudite, thoughtful, and deeply wise, Francis Collins leads us beyond politics to surer footing. Here is the moral, philosophical, and scientific framework with which to address the problems of our time—including threats to our democracy, partisanship, racism, and climate change—but also to guide us in our daily lives. This is a book that will repay many readings, and resolve dilemmas that we all face, every day.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2024
416 people are currently reading
1975 people want to read
About the author
Francis S. Collins
20 books338 followersFrancis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. is the former director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). On August 17, 2009 he was sworn in as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Dr. Collins received a B.S. from the University of Virginia, a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Yale University, and an M.D. from the University of North Carolina. Following a fellowship in Human Genetics at Yale, he joined the faculty at the University of Michigan, where he remained until moving to NIH in 1993. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Collins received a B.S. from the University of Virginia, a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Yale University, and an M.D. from the University of North Carolina. Following a fellowship in Human Genetics at Yale, he joined the faculty at the University of Michigan, where he remained until moving to NIH in 1993. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
November 2, 2024
Dr. Francis Collins explores the concepts of wisdom, truth, science, faith, and trust in this book that is part biographical as he shares stories of his life and part charging us to build bridges with those we may not agree with. He spends a good amount of time discussing science and his scientific experience and also discusses ways that he did and did not handle the COVID-19 response well. Throughout the book he exhibits humility and graciousness and demonstrates a desire to connect with others as evidenced by his involvement in Braver Angels which connects those with different views. A lot of what he shared about connecting with others resonated with me as a scientific communicator where relationships change people's views more than data. In the faith chapter, Collins spent more time discussing science than I thought was necessary and it felt like he was more on the 'side' of science than the 'side' of faith.
I have always admired Dr. Francis Collins because of his strong Christian faith and his love of science as evidenced by his long career serving as the Director of the NIH. He has been an inspiration of how to straddle two communities that can seem to be at odds at certain points. I don't agree with all of Collins' views, but greatly respect his desire to unify disparate communities and it is a desire I share.
I have always admired Dr. Francis Collins because of his strong Christian faith and his love of science as evidenced by his long career serving as the Director of the NIH. He has been an inspiration of how to straddle two communities that can seem to be at odds at certain points. I don't agree with all of Collins' views, but greatly respect his desire to unify disparate communities and it is a desire I share.
September 28, 2024
I picked up this book because I saw Frances Collins being interviewed on the Colbert show and thought he was delightful.
There’s Bible verses throughout which I didn’t mind - I do think he could’ve made the faith argument without them and could’ve talked more inclusively about all faith traditions.
But that said - this was a spectacular book & one of my favorites this year. He weaved together so many insightful lessons and concepts on science, truth and trust. I underlined half the book and plan to share with family members to read. Also appreciated the actionable ways we can all help ease the divisiveness in this country.
Highly recommend.
There’s Bible verses throughout which I didn’t mind - I do think he could’ve made the faith argument without them and could’ve talked more inclusively about all faith traditions.
But that said - this was a spectacular book & one of my favorites this year. He weaved together so many insightful lessons and concepts on science, truth and trust. I underlined half the book and plan to share with family members to read. Also appreciated the actionable ways we can all help ease the divisiveness in this country.
Highly recommend.
May 27, 2025
“Only we imperfect humans can start such battles. And only we can end them.”
How lovely this was to read, and how perfect a time for it to be read
How lovely this was to read, and how perfect a time for it to be read
December 12, 2024
A very important book for our time: a time of division, rancour, distrust, the rapid erosion of truth - and even hate and violence. There is so much good in this book that Collins wrote, a project he undertook because of strong encouragement by his friend, Tim Keller.
What is wisdom? Can we find truth? Is science relatable? What is the role of faith? Can we find the road to wisdom? And is there hope for things to change? This book seeks to answer those questions in a non-trivial way.
When it comes to the things that divide us: politics, worldviews, religions, climate change, gender issues, elections, science, medicine, vaccines and the last pandemic, it seems to me it is very hard to have good healthy conversations where deep listening happens.
My inclination, I am sorry to say, is to keep quiet in the family, friend and colleague settings where I know opinions are divergent. Collins, in this book, encourages us not to retreat to that easy place. And so I am challenged to do better - do the hard work in my circles that this book is doing with its readers.
Unfortunatly, I doubt many who should read this book, to open themselves to its perspectives and challenges, will. It does not lean toward their existing beliefs and opinions for one, and many would not read it just because of who the author is. And, sadly, that will reinforce exactly the kind of entrenched partisanship that this book seeks to address.
This book is good. Its goal is lofty but oh so good. Oh, that we will move a little toward wisdom, truth and trust as a result of it.
Some quotes from the book:
This one from Tim Keller about truth, “ Many people on the left,” he said, “claim there is no such thing as truth. They are postmodern. But then in real situations like climate change, they act as if there really is truth and others should listen to them about it. Many people on the right,” he continued, “say that absolute truth exists and must be respected in all things. But then by embracing false information, like the idea that climate change has not been established, they act as if truth doesn’t really matter. "
"The divisions and animosities in our society could be bridged, reaching across that divide with love and understanding. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”"
"As a person of faith, I believe Christians have a special role to play, based upon the fundamentals of our faith. But are we followers of Jesus playing that role right now? In words taken from Jesus’s most famous sermon, are we merciful? Are we pure in heart? Are we peacemakers? Do we see others around us, no matter their opinions, as made in the image of God? Are we heeding those warnings from Proverbs 6 about the things that God hates: a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community? "
And that wonderful G. K. Chesterton quip, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried. ”
What is wisdom? Can we find truth? Is science relatable? What is the role of faith? Can we find the road to wisdom? And is there hope for things to change? This book seeks to answer those questions in a non-trivial way.
When it comes to the things that divide us: politics, worldviews, religions, climate change, gender issues, elections, science, medicine, vaccines and the last pandemic, it seems to me it is very hard to have good healthy conversations where deep listening happens.
My inclination, I am sorry to say, is to keep quiet in the family, friend and colleague settings where I know opinions are divergent. Collins, in this book, encourages us not to retreat to that easy place. And so I am challenged to do better - do the hard work in my circles that this book is doing with its readers.
Unfortunatly, I doubt many who should read this book, to open themselves to its perspectives and challenges, will. It does not lean toward their existing beliefs and opinions for one, and many would not read it just because of who the author is. And, sadly, that will reinforce exactly the kind of entrenched partisanship that this book seeks to address.
This book is good. Its goal is lofty but oh so good. Oh, that we will move a little toward wisdom, truth and trust as a result of it.
Some quotes from the book:
This one from Tim Keller about truth, “ Many people on the left,” he said, “claim there is no such thing as truth. They are postmodern. But then in real situations like climate change, they act as if there really is truth and others should listen to them about it. Many people on the right,” he continued, “say that absolute truth exists and must be respected in all things. But then by embracing false information, like the idea that climate change has not been established, they act as if truth doesn’t really matter. "
"The divisions and animosities in our society could be bridged, reaching across that divide with love and understanding. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”"
"As a person of faith, I believe Christians have a special role to play, based upon the fundamentals of our faith. But are we followers of Jesus playing that role right now? In words taken from Jesus’s most famous sermon, are we merciful? Are we pure in heart? Are we peacemakers? Do we see others around us, no matter their opinions, as made in the image of God? Are we heeding those warnings from Proverbs 6 about the things that God hates: a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community? "
And that wonderful G. K. Chesterton quip, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried. ”
June 23, 2025
Really appreciate the heart behind this book, and I think Francis Collins does a great job balancing legit commitment to faith with honesty about doubt. Very approachable read but maybe verged on being a bit devotional/preachy at times. Also the fact that Francis Collins and Tim Keller were tight kind of blows my mind.
October 28, 2024
A bit scattered at times, but overall I really enjoyed this and hope it gets a wide readership. This is a message that the church desperately needs to hear right now, and Collins presents it in a very honest, level-headed, and humble way.
March 14, 2025
A "must read" for anyone seeking "truth" in these very vexing times. A brilliant scientist AND a man of faith, Collins (director of the National Institute of Health under 3 presidents of both parties), gives us a robust framework for discerning facts from lies, examining issues from vaccines to politics to religion. Incredibly humble in his approach, he advocates for a society and civil discourse based on "establish facts" (which he defines in detail) and "necessary truth." One would expect such a book to be a "hard read," but the opposite is true, as the text flows and is accessible to even the casual reader. (He avoids technical language, and when he does, he usually offers understandable explanations.)
If every person read and took to heart Dr. Collins' message, the world would definitely be a better, gentle and more hopeful place to live in.
If every person read and took to heart Dr. Collins' message, the world would definitely be a better, gentle and more hopeful place to live in.
September 13, 2025
This book was fanatastic - so much so that after I borrowed it, I purchsed it so I could have it in my personal library. The messages given were clear and accompanied by anecdotes and actions to take. I once met Francis Collins when he gave a presentation at a nursing conference where I introduced him. He capitvated me by his talk about molecular genetics - he made what could have been a very dry topic into something fascinating. And I could understand it all. This was when he was at the University of Michigan Health System running the Clinical Research Center. I have followed him since then. In this book, again, he takes a very complex discussion and makes it so very inderstandable.
October 30, 2024
I feel bad bashing a book that Tim Keller commissioned on his death bed... loved the idea, but I don't think it really got at why the intersection of these virtues is necessary—I felt sold something different by the title. It felt more like a confessional where Collins could clear the air about the things media got wrong about him. This book also suffered from writing to a "general" audience, Christian and non-Christian, and thus not hitting home with any. The suggestions for change were too scattered across different sectors of life, I didn't feel like it was really thought-provoking or convincing to any one audience. But encouraging a more civil society and critical-thinking is a worthy cause, and I hope this book does impact some readers.
July 14, 2025
Francis Collins states, “The premise of this book is that by reclaiming the solid ground of truth, science, faith and trust, we can find ourselves back on the road to wisdom- that ability to bring together experience, knowledge, and good judgment to allow wise personal and professional decisions for ourselves, our family, and our society.” He argues our society has fragmented, and gotten lost, over core values which would otherwise lead us not only to personal wisdom, but societal wholeness. As the Director of the National Institute of Health (NIH) during the Covid outbreak, and the former Director of the Human Genome Project, Collins is placed to have observed these debates at the highest levels in American society in the recent past. His personal stories on academic research, Covid messaging, science, and faith are interesting and well placed.
1. Truth - Collins asserts a realist perspective on truth, that something is true if it corresponds to outward reality. He argues against emotionalism, postmodernity, and cynicism based on uncertainty undermining truth. He acknowledges uncertainly is real, but varies from claim to claim.
2. Science - Collins is a life-long scientist and asserts science is a wonderful avenue for discovering truth. He cites instances of bias in science, faulty studies, and even cheating, while maintaining there is much worthy within scientific research. He discusses the limitations of science and the increasing distrust of the scientific community, especially during Covid and the new era of AI. Collins admits to his own imperfect communication during that crisis.
3. Faith - Collins believes, "faith that is anchored to its fundamentals of love, morality, and goodness can play a critical role on the road to wisdom." He mentions the Big Bang and fine-tuning as being influential in his faith journey as well as N.T. Wright's books on the historical claims of Jesus. Collins reconciles the Bible by being both an old earth Creationist and an evolutionist. He has an interesting section, "The Historical Relationship Between Science and Faith is not as Rocky as You Might Think." He agrees with Pual Tillich, "doubt is not the opposite of faith, it is an element of faith." Faith is a source of wisdom on morality, the meaning of life, and how to live.
4. Trust - We all must decide what messages are reliable and those which are not. Collins has examples of feeling betrayed by subordinates, colleagues, hostile interviewers, and incompetent doctors. He says the path to trust is analyzing people's integrity, competence, aligned values, and humility. Is the person honest? Do they know what they are talking about? We tend to listen more closely to people with values aligned with ours, but are those the only opinions we seek? Humility is when someone acknowledges their limitations. This makes them more trustworthy. Distrust in institutions, science, and quality media is all down, whereas implicit trust in social media opinions is up. Collins argues, for our society to function, we'll need to agree on a process for identifying what's true and reliable.
Ultimately, Collins attempts to be humble and optimistic. He wouldn't have written the book if he did not hope to create change. I found this to be a good and engaging read. One may not agree with his perspective in all cases. He's willing to speak to a number of controversial cases. But surely we need more truth and trust in our lives. How will we go about it?
1. Truth - Collins asserts a realist perspective on truth, that something is true if it corresponds to outward reality. He argues against emotionalism, postmodernity, and cynicism based on uncertainty undermining truth. He acknowledges uncertainly is real, but varies from claim to claim.
2. Science - Collins is a life-long scientist and asserts science is a wonderful avenue for discovering truth. He cites instances of bias in science, faulty studies, and even cheating, while maintaining there is much worthy within scientific research. He discusses the limitations of science and the increasing distrust of the scientific community, especially during Covid and the new era of AI. Collins admits to his own imperfect communication during that crisis.
3. Faith - Collins believes, "faith that is anchored to its fundamentals of love, morality, and goodness can play a critical role on the road to wisdom." He mentions the Big Bang and fine-tuning as being influential in his faith journey as well as N.T. Wright's books on the historical claims of Jesus. Collins reconciles the Bible by being both an old earth Creationist and an evolutionist. He has an interesting section, "The Historical Relationship Between Science and Faith is not as Rocky as You Might Think." He agrees with Pual Tillich, "doubt is not the opposite of faith, it is an element of faith." Faith is a source of wisdom on morality, the meaning of life, and how to live.
4. Trust - We all must decide what messages are reliable and those which are not. Collins has examples of feeling betrayed by subordinates, colleagues, hostile interviewers, and incompetent doctors. He says the path to trust is analyzing people's integrity, competence, aligned values, and humility. Is the person honest? Do they know what they are talking about? We tend to listen more closely to people with values aligned with ours, but are those the only opinions we seek? Humility is when someone acknowledges their limitations. This makes them more trustworthy. Distrust in institutions, science, and quality media is all down, whereas implicit trust in social media opinions is up. Collins argues, for our society to function, we'll need to agree on a process for identifying what's true and reliable.
Ultimately, Collins attempts to be humble and optimistic. He wouldn't have written the book if he did not hope to create change. I found this to be a good and engaging read. One may not agree with his perspective in all cases. He's willing to speak to a number of controversial cases. But surely we need more truth and trust in our lives. How will we go about it?
July 14, 2025
I really feel like if I could just have a chat with one person for an hour, I’d want it to be with Francis Collins, and I want to talk about the wonder of the world from the tiniest scientific details to the vast glory of the Creation and the Creator.
I think this book will primarily be attractive for Christians wanting to hear about science (especially recent science-related topics, like COVID) from a fellow Christian who deeply understands the science. I think the flip side is also true - that this could appeal to scientists wanting to hear a Christian perspective, but the focus is less so on this approach.
I am thankful that Dr. Collins took the time to write this book and put his heart and soul into it from nearly every angle imaginable. It sounds both too easy and too difficult of a solution to our present societal problems to just be more open to having conversations with people who hold vastly different beliefs from you, but surely it’s the best place to start, right?
I think this book will primarily be attractive for Christians wanting to hear about science (especially recent science-related topics, like COVID) from a fellow Christian who deeply understands the science. I think the flip side is also true - that this could appeal to scientists wanting to hear a Christian perspective, but the focus is less so on this approach.
I am thankful that Dr. Collins took the time to write this book and put his heart and soul into it from nearly every angle imaginable. It sounds both too easy and too difficult of a solution to our present societal problems to just be more open to having conversations with people who hold vastly different beliefs from you, but surely it’s the best place to start, right?
November 23, 2024
Is it relevant? Yes. Sincere? Earnest? Genuine? Absolutely. Balanced? Yeah pretty much. Somehow also a bit patronising? Is it just me? Maybe it’s an issue of reading it at the wrong time. I didn’t feel like I was the target audience, even though it is a topic I think a lot about. Maybe it’s because I’m still not really open to reading about the pandemic. But it confirmed a lot of my suspicions. That the policies and decisions made during the pandemic, flawed though they were and the message often was, were made by people with good intentions. That’s often the case.
The author seems genuine and like the kind of guy who wrote this in all sincerity and who would probably be a pal and a great Thanksgiving dinner guest. Even if his tone is a little patronising in the book.
The author seems genuine and like the kind of guy who wrote this in all sincerity and who would probably be a pal and a great Thanksgiving dinner guest. Even if his tone is a little patronising in the book.
July 27, 2025
outstanding!! must read!! I’ve recommended this book so many times while reading it. shoutout to my dad for reading it first & highly encouraging me to read it as well. while I feel like my own personal biases as my journey through becoming a researcher aligns a lot with the premise of this book, I learned so much and was challenged to think about things in different ways. I loved the way he broke the book up & he writes in a way that isn’t overwhelming at all but still getting the point across. such an important read for the entire world. would love to have discussions if anyone else finishes it!!!
March 25, 2025
Dr. Francis Collins is the former director of the NIH who led the Human Genome Project. He is top-of-the-food-chain intelligent, superbly articulate, apolitical (though some would disagree), and very humble. No wonder he is the hero to my son (a brilliant scientist in his own right). This is a book for critical thinkers who want to understand why so many Americans have turned their backs on wisdom (truth, science, faith, and trust). In this crazed political era it is a reassuring message that rationality is always the right path and that truth is still truth.
July 31, 2025
This is an important book, not particularly well written, but important nonetheless. Francis Collins was head of the NIH under three presidents and is a medical doctor and PhD researcher. He was instrumental in mapping the human genome and working with labs throughout the world to come up with some of the best research results yet. He is a man who comes across as brilliant, yet humble, as he gives his spot-on analysis of what has happened in America over the past decade or so to erode truth, trust, and the belief in science--and he ties it all in with his deep Christian faith. Collins is willing to listen to opposing views, gently debate, and continues to hold out hope for a better tomorrow.
November 21, 2025
Very healing for my younger self that deeply questioned the belief that science and faith were in conflict 🥲 highly recommend this book and found Dr. Collins perspectives very interesting, particularly on COVID-19, the response, and what his hope is for science going forward.
October 19, 2024
This book is an important contribution to move us toward greater civility and meaningful connection. It gives me hope!
June 9, 2025
Very insightful book for the times we live in now. I would say that the perspective and intentions act as things we all can learn from. My only gripe is that the Faith chapter seemed out of place. There was certainly room to make a chapter about Faith more cohesive with the overarching theme.
December 28, 2024
Idk why I picked this book up, maybe to challenge my brain. But I didn’t love it, I was getting covid time flash backs.
October 12, 2024
Discouraged by the divisiveness of our culture, especially manifest to him during covid, Collins undertook to present his thoughts on the diagnosis and a path forward. Informed by his perspective both as an accomplished medical scientist and a devout Christian, he outlines ways he thinks could be balms. His interactions with a group designed to structure conversations among disagreeing individuals and groups are particularly intriguing. His hope in spite of discouragement in inspiring.
March 26, 2025
I saw Dr. Collins interviewed and thought his story was intriguing. An active, believing Christian, Dr. Collins was also the head of the Director of the National Institute of Health during the difficult years of the Coronavirus pandemic.
I was particularly interested on his views regarding vaccinations as he comes from a community which has wide-spread skepticism regarding the efficacy and proliferation of vaccines.
Equally interesting however were his views on religion and science. These two seemingly warring factions were comfortably reconciled by Dr. Collins, which I found interesting.
Dr. Collins thoughts on how to achieve wisdom amidst a world of conflicting misinformation were insightful. I would suggest all people would benefit from scrutinizing their sources and being less enthusiastic in embracing unverified information which reinforces their world view.
I deducted one star simply because the tone was a bit self-aggrandizing at times and the structure of the book felt a little erratic at times. Still, I felt it was worth the investment of time.
I was particularly interested on his views regarding vaccinations as he comes from a community which has wide-spread skepticism regarding the efficacy and proliferation of vaccines.
Equally interesting however were his views on religion and science. These two seemingly warring factions were comfortably reconciled by Dr. Collins, which I found interesting.
Dr. Collins thoughts on how to achieve wisdom amidst a world of conflicting misinformation were insightful. I would suggest all people would benefit from scrutinizing their sources and being less enthusiastic in embracing unverified information which reinforces their world view.
I deducted one star simply because the tone was a bit self-aggrandizing at times and the structure of the book felt a little erratic at times. Still, I felt it was worth the investment of time.
March 3, 2025
I am recommending this book to the "deep thinkers" among my circle of friends, family, and acquaintances. Excellent primer on critical thinking. On a par with Think Again, by Adam Grant (2021).
Collins, a white evangelical Christian and also a traditionally trained medical scientist, explains his mission.
pp. 24-25: THE GOAL OF THIS BOOK
It aims to be a guide to those four bedrock sources of wisdom our civilization has depended on for centuries: truth, science, faith and trust. Within these pages I hope to show a possible way out of the division and anger that have overtaken our society. What the exhausted middle is exhausted by is a pernicious distortion of wisdom, which implies that truth is the purview of just one tribe, that science is a mask for politics, that faith is nothing more than the brand name of a team, and trust is only reliable if channeled through unquestioning group loyalty.
He addresses misinformation, conspiracy theories, genetics, artificial intelligence, the Biblical origin story, evolution, and more.
A must read for all reasonable adults--liberal, moderate, and open-minded conservatives.
pp. 35-36: [I photocopied the graphic with concentric circles showing and explaining distinctions between Necessary Truth, Firmly Established Facts, Uncertainty, and Opinion. People who rely on social media, online gurus, blogs, and podcast and outlets like FOX, Epoch Times, QAnon, Breitbert, NewsMax etc would benefit greatly from these two pages alone.
Excerpt:
pp. 41-42: An enlightening scrutiny of postmodernist theory, which asserts that "all conclusions about nature arbitrary...This does not mean that scientists necessarily believe that they have reached the final truth on a given aspect of nature, never to be challenged or revised....Once a scientific conclusion is robustly confirmed [such as gravity, thermodynamics, chemical bonds, and genetics], we consider it to have earned a place in the zone of firmly established truth, and we don't regard it as merely arbitrary or merely political.
But why do people cling to false notions despite evidence to the contrary? To answer that, the author points to philosopher/mathematician Rene Descartes:
pp. 49-50: Descartes observed that reason is not the only factor in people's decision; what they think is also driven by values and desires ("passions").
That tendency makes trying to reason with misguided people very challenging. He states:
pp 59-60: Research has shown that direct confrontation with someone about misinformation on a topic that really matters to them rarely succeeds. Instead, this may make things worse. Social psychologists describe the "backfire effect," in which, when presented with evidence that a favored belief is wrong, individuals will first reject that evidence and then double down on their mistaken belief. [Exactly!]
That is especially the case with people who are addicted to conspiracy theories, says the author.
pp. 76-77: When you're faced by threatening circumstances that produce anxiety, frustration, and a feeling of loss of control, a conspiracy story provides a new version of the truth--namely that a secret organization or individual is causing the trouble. Providing a new framework for understanding can be a very compelling antidote to confusion. Then this special knowledge, not available to everyone, can oddly become a source of comfort, as well as helpfully providing a scapegoat. Having found some emotional relief from prior fear and confusion, the individual may then be motivated to seek out other conspiracies that can provide that same kind of psychological benefit.
Collins rightfully point to media for deliberating promoting misinformation for commercial gain.
p. 203: Poorly designed studies hat seem to show an association with a bad outcome are much more likely to be published than well-designed studies that show no relationship.
AI contributes to the plethora of misinformation and poses existential risks of its own, especially if it becomes sentient.
p. 103: Sentience, if it happens, will probably not arrive in one bright flash--but bit by bit. [This is already happening,] If AI became sentient and became threatened about its own survival, it might develop the ability to provide incorrect information intentionally. There is no certainty the AGI would be aligned with human values or priorities. [Dystopian novels already give us a glimpse of the consequences]
In chapter 4, Collins discusses the role that faith plays in the road to wisdom.
p. 135: You might develop more empathy for struggling believers who are trying to sort through conflicting messages. And who knows? You might even find possible answers to the question "Why does anyone believe this stuff?" The point is, faith that is anchored in it fundamentals of love, morality, and goodness can play a critical role on the road to wisdom, but sometimes that anchoring can be lost. [Here's a "conflicting message" I'd like to see addressed: MAGAteers who curse, drink, gossip, yell, and generally go through life threatening and blaming others for their problems, but say, "But it's okay because I love Jesus."]
One of the most important takeaways from Collins' tome is his reconciliation of the Creation of the universe (science) with the Biblical origin story recounted in Genesis and the foundation of Christianity and Judaism. He also makes a strong, well-documented argument showing why evolution is compatible with Scripture. The result is the most articulate, credible reconciliation of the Bible and Science that I've ever encountered.
[p.148: The author points out that "many of the foundations of modern science were laid by devout Christians." For example, Franciscan friar Roger Bacon formalized the principles of the scientific method.]
And this:
p. 140-141: Science itself provides pointers to a Creator. Examining the data from multiple different perspectives, physicists now tell us unequivocally that there was an initial start to our universe around 13.8 billion years ago, where out of nothingness came this unimaginable explosion of matter and energy. This so-called Big Bang cries out for answers to the questions "How did that happen? What came before that?" I was stymied. Nature has not been observed to create itself. If there is to be an answer, therefore, it would seem to require a force outside of nature--a "supernatural" force. To resolve the dilemma of the original of the universe, however, this Creator would have to be unconstrained by space and time. Otherwise, the next question would be "Who Created the Creator?"
The more I looked at how our universe has been put together, the more amazed I became at the evidence for an intelligent Creator. [The author goes on to explain why the observed mathematical and physicians that govern matter and energy make it possible for matter to coalesce into stars, galaxies, planets, and life.]
As for evolution, here again, the author reconciles science with Biblical teachings--a point of view called theistic evolution by scientists who are serious Christians. "Creation is the end, evolution is the means."
pp. 145-146: With the discovery of DNA and the ability to compare its sequence between organisms, we have the kind of digital record that Darwin could only have dreamed of. The study of genomics also shows incontrovertibly that we humans are part of that process...For me...these observations have never seemed to resent a serious conflict with the Bible story of origins. If God had planned from the moment of the Big Bang for big-brained creatures to appear on this planet with a hunger to understand the meaning of life, who are we to say that the process of evolution, following the natural laws that God had invented, was a poor way to achieve that? In my view, and that of many scientist who re serious Christians, evolution was not just the "how" that God used to to make this "why" come into being.
p. 150: By the mid-nineteenth century, many Christians were already increasingly comfortable with the concept of an Old Earth, based on analysis of the fossil record. Many prominent Christian American Scientists like botanist Asa Gray saw Darwin's theory as providing insight into the mechanism that God used to carry out our creation, using God's own natural laws.
What about Adam and Eve?
pp. 146-147: Our ancestral gene pool seems to derive from 10,000 individuals living in Africa about 150,000 years ago. God could have chosen a particular couple for the full emergence of humanity. There seem to have been other humans around at the time (otherwise where did Cain find a wife?)
The author's call to action:
While avoiding stridency, Collins takes fundamentalist Christians to task for their low levels of scientific literacy and paucity of critical thinking skills.
Conceding that the NIH could have done a better job of coming clean with the public about the many unknowns about COVID-19, Collins (diplomatically) bemoans conservatives' tendency to reject scientific evidence out of hand and cling to inane notions about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, the age of the earth and other concepts supported by incontrovertible evidence.
Collins concludes with a plea to individuals to avoid anger, grievance, hopelessness, fatalism, cynicism, animosity. and disengagement. He very diplomatically urges liberals to try to engage with MAGAteers in a way that is more effective than categorical name-calling and pre-judging. He admits there is no simple solution. Given the divisiveness among citizens, Collins encourages individuals to engage with family and friends, with a goal of listening understanding others' perspectives and not necessarily changing their minds. He refers to people who have committed to that approach as "Braver Angels" and directs them to his website: http://www.braverangels.org
I admire people who can do this; listening to BS is just too painful. I just ignore them. We'll see.
Collins, a white evangelical Christian and also a traditionally trained medical scientist, explains his mission.
pp. 24-25: THE GOAL OF THIS BOOK
It aims to be a guide to those four bedrock sources of wisdom our civilization has depended on for centuries: truth, science, faith and trust. Within these pages I hope to show a possible way out of the division and anger that have overtaken our society. What the exhausted middle is exhausted by is a pernicious distortion of wisdom, which implies that truth is the purview of just one tribe, that science is a mask for politics, that faith is nothing more than the brand name of a team, and trust is only reliable if channeled through unquestioning group loyalty.
He addresses misinformation, conspiracy theories, genetics, artificial intelligence, the Biblical origin story, evolution, and more.
A must read for all reasonable adults--liberal, moderate, and open-minded conservatives.
pp. 35-36: [I photocopied the graphic with concentric circles showing and explaining distinctions between Necessary Truth, Firmly Established Facts, Uncertainty, and Opinion. People who rely on social media, online gurus, blogs, and podcast and outlets like FOX, Epoch Times, QAnon, Breitbert, NewsMax etc would benefit greatly from these two pages alone.
Excerpt:
pp. 41-42: An enlightening scrutiny of postmodernist theory, which asserts that "all conclusions about nature arbitrary...This does not mean that scientists necessarily believe that they have reached the final truth on a given aspect of nature, never to be challenged or revised....Once a scientific conclusion is robustly confirmed [such as gravity, thermodynamics, chemical bonds, and genetics], we consider it to have earned a place in the zone of firmly established truth, and we don't regard it as merely arbitrary or merely political.
But why do people cling to false notions despite evidence to the contrary? To answer that, the author points to philosopher/mathematician Rene Descartes:
pp. 49-50: Descartes observed that reason is not the only factor in people's decision; what they think is also driven by values and desires ("passions").
That tendency makes trying to reason with misguided people very challenging. He states:
pp 59-60: Research has shown that direct confrontation with someone about misinformation on a topic that really matters to them rarely succeeds. Instead, this may make things worse. Social psychologists describe the "backfire effect," in which, when presented with evidence that a favored belief is wrong, individuals will first reject that evidence and then double down on their mistaken belief. [Exactly!]
That is especially the case with people who are addicted to conspiracy theories, says the author.
pp. 76-77: When you're faced by threatening circumstances that produce anxiety, frustration, and a feeling of loss of control, a conspiracy story provides a new version of the truth--namely that a secret organization or individual is causing the trouble. Providing a new framework for understanding can be a very compelling antidote to confusion. Then this special knowledge, not available to everyone, can oddly become a source of comfort, as well as helpfully providing a scapegoat. Having found some emotional relief from prior fear and confusion, the individual may then be motivated to seek out other conspiracies that can provide that same kind of psychological benefit.
Collins rightfully point to media for deliberating promoting misinformation for commercial gain.
p. 203: Poorly designed studies hat seem to show an association with a bad outcome are much more likely to be published than well-designed studies that show no relationship.
AI contributes to the plethora of misinformation and poses existential risks of its own, especially if it becomes sentient.
p. 103: Sentience, if it happens, will probably not arrive in one bright flash--but bit by bit. [This is already happening,] If AI became sentient and became threatened about its own survival, it might develop the ability to provide incorrect information intentionally. There is no certainty the AGI would be aligned with human values or priorities. [Dystopian novels already give us a glimpse of the consequences]
In chapter 4, Collins discusses the role that faith plays in the road to wisdom.
p. 135: You might develop more empathy for struggling believers who are trying to sort through conflicting messages. And who knows? You might even find possible answers to the question "Why does anyone believe this stuff?" The point is, faith that is anchored in it fundamentals of love, morality, and goodness can play a critical role on the road to wisdom, but sometimes that anchoring can be lost. [Here's a "conflicting message" I'd like to see addressed: MAGAteers who curse, drink, gossip, yell, and generally go through life threatening and blaming others for their problems, but say, "But it's okay because I love Jesus."]
One of the most important takeaways from Collins' tome is his reconciliation of the Creation of the universe (science) with the Biblical origin story recounted in Genesis and the foundation of Christianity and Judaism. He also makes a strong, well-documented argument showing why evolution is compatible with Scripture. The result is the most articulate, credible reconciliation of the Bible and Science that I've ever encountered.
[p.148: The author points out that "many of the foundations of modern science were laid by devout Christians." For example, Franciscan friar Roger Bacon formalized the principles of the scientific method.]
And this:
p. 140-141: Science itself provides pointers to a Creator. Examining the data from multiple different perspectives, physicists now tell us unequivocally that there was an initial start to our universe around 13.8 billion years ago, where out of nothingness came this unimaginable explosion of matter and energy. This so-called Big Bang cries out for answers to the questions "How did that happen? What came before that?" I was stymied. Nature has not been observed to create itself. If there is to be an answer, therefore, it would seem to require a force outside of nature--a "supernatural" force. To resolve the dilemma of the original of the universe, however, this Creator would have to be unconstrained by space and time. Otherwise, the next question would be "Who Created the Creator?"
The more I looked at how our universe has been put together, the more amazed I became at the evidence for an intelligent Creator. [The author goes on to explain why the observed mathematical and physicians that govern matter and energy make it possible for matter to coalesce into stars, galaxies, planets, and life.]
As for evolution, here again, the author reconciles science with Biblical teachings--a point of view called theistic evolution by scientists who are serious Christians. "Creation is the end, evolution is the means."
pp. 145-146: With the discovery of DNA and the ability to compare its sequence between organisms, we have the kind of digital record that Darwin could only have dreamed of. The study of genomics also shows incontrovertibly that we humans are part of that process...For me...these observations have never seemed to resent a serious conflict with the Bible story of origins. If God had planned from the moment of the Big Bang for big-brained creatures to appear on this planet with a hunger to understand the meaning of life, who are we to say that the process of evolution, following the natural laws that God had invented, was a poor way to achieve that? In my view, and that of many scientist who re serious Christians, evolution was not just the "how" that God used to to make this "why" come into being.
p. 150: By the mid-nineteenth century, many Christians were already increasingly comfortable with the concept of an Old Earth, based on analysis of the fossil record. Many prominent Christian American Scientists like botanist Asa Gray saw Darwin's theory as providing insight into the mechanism that God used to carry out our creation, using God's own natural laws.
What about Adam and Eve?
pp. 146-147: Our ancestral gene pool seems to derive from 10,000 individuals living in Africa about 150,000 years ago. God could have chosen a particular couple for the full emergence of humanity. There seem to have been other humans around at the time (otherwise where did Cain find a wife?)
The author's call to action:
While avoiding stridency, Collins takes fundamentalist Christians to task for their low levels of scientific literacy and paucity of critical thinking skills.
Conceding that the NIH could have done a better job of coming clean with the public about the many unknowns about COVID-19, Collins (diplomatically) bemoans conservatives' tendency to reject scientific evidence out of hand and cling to inane notions about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, the age of the earth and other concepts supported by incontrovertible evidence.
Collins concludes with a plea to individuals to avoid anger, grievance, hopelessness, fatalism, cynicism, animosity. and disengagement. He very diplomatically urges liberals to try to engage with MAGAteers in a way that is more effective than categorical name-calling and pre-judging. He admits there is no simple solution. Given the divisiveness among citizens, Collins encourages individuals to engage with family and friends, with a goal of listening understanding others' perspectives and not necessarily changing their minds. He refers to people who have committed to that approach as "Braver Angels" and directs them to his website: http://www.braverangels.org
I admire people who can do this; listening to BS is just too painful. I just ignore them. We'll see.
December 22, 2025
This time of divisiveness and politics has warped our thinking; we need to recover what matters most. Dr. Collins argues that we have “lost sight of the sources of wisdom.” There are four bedrock sources of wisdom our civilization has depended on for centuries: truth, science, faith, and trust.
1: Truth - There is a reality that exists independently of us, and that statements or beliefs about that reality are true when they accurately describe it, regardless of how we feel about them. It’s useful to think of truth as operating on different levels of certainty: from necessary truth (the innermost layer), to firmly established facts, to uncertainty, and finally to opinion (the outermost layer).
When thinking about untruth, there are 6 categories: ignorance (not possessing the relevant info), falsehood/misinformation (a statement that can be convincingly shown to be untrue), a lie (an intentional distortion of the truth), delusion (one’s competence to understand or address a complicated situation, despite having no real expertise or training), bullshit (a circumstance where the communicator is trying to make an impression on you, but has no interest in actual facts), and propaganda (a massive scale-up of lies and distortions with political intent).
We organize our cognitive experience into a metaphorical web of belief: various threads organized in a circular fashion held together with radial threads. The points where they cross over are nodes, which link up the threads. Nodes near the center are particularly critical. If damaged, the whole structure is at risk to collapse. Beliefs that you are attached to passionately are the nodes near the center (my wife loves me, Jesus died for me, etc).
Farther out are nodes reflecting assertions that you think are likely to be true but are less critical to your sense of who you are and what really matters (my cat loves me, etc). In conclusion, we have central and peripheral nodes!
Questions to Discern Truth:
1. What is the source of the information?
2. Does that source represent real expertise?
3. Is the claim based on an anecdote or a larger study?
4. Does the provider of the information seem objective, or could there be a hidden goal to manipulate you?
5. Is the language sober and accessible, or is it hyperbolic and designed to induce fear and/or anger?
2: Science - This discipline has made remarkable contributions to human flourishing, and we need it more than ever to properly address issues like cancer, pandemics, and climate change. It offers the chance to uncover truths of nature that can help us. Science doesn’t always get it right, but it is self-correcting, and can lead to conclusions about objective truth, providing us with a critical foundation for our future together.
3: Faith - Having faith that is anchored to the fundamentals of love, morality, and goodness can play a critical role on the road to wisdom. The camp of the agnostics is growing, primarily because of society’s aversion to hypocrisy. The secular and self-oriented existence is ultimately empty meaning-wise. There are fundamental questions that science can’t answer: why is there something instead of nothing? What is the source of morality? Do good and evil have any real significance? What is the meaning of life? How, then, should I live my own life? Where do I turn to when everything seems to be coming apart around me? Faith fills the gap!
4: Trust - It is what holds relationships together. Trust is critical for a society to be able to work together. However, it seems that trust is in short supply at the moment: little building, a lot of breakage, and almost no repair.
Collins makes the case that there are “four significant criteria” that most of us use when we’re deciding whether or not to trust a person or an institution:
1. Integrity - Does this person or institution represent honesty and moral uprightness? Do they have a reputation for fairness? How have they handled difficult circumstances?
2. Competence - Does this person know what they they’re talking about? Expertise matters!
3. Humility - Do they recognize their own limitations? Do they practice restraint? Choosing to not claim exceptional insight beyond their own expertise?
4. Aligned Values - Alignment in priorities significantly increases the likelihood of granting trust.
Distrust is growing in our personal relationships and in our confidence in institutions. Where is this coming from? One cause is earned distrust: where failures of individuals or institutions to live up to expectations have led to a justifiable loss of confidence in them. Another type of distrust is not merited or earned, but rather manufactured. Scapegoating is a common symptom of this second form of distrust.
Misinformation, disinformation, fear, and anger are trying to “knock us into the ditch” 24/7. How shall we respond? Tap into your deeply embedded hunger for healing and hope.
1. We need to reanchor our worldview, believing in the objectivity of truth, but also recognizing the different levels of certainty mentioned earlier. When talking with others, build bridges of connection through the shared values of truth, love, beauty, goodness, freedom, faith, and family!
2. We need to distinguish facts from fakes. The rational self is the rider, but our emotions and opinions are the ride. Remember that cognitive bias is a real thing! Your mind can be infected with bad ideas and false beliefs. The best way to prevent these “mind infections” is to maintain a mental immune system that can come to your defense. Make sure to administer a kind of advance immunization to your mind, anticipating the kind of misinformation and disinformation that is likely to appear in a particular situation, otherwise known as “pre-bunking.” Also, don’t be a distributor of information of questionable validity. If you’re not sure it’s true, don’t spread it!
3. Become more comfortable having conversations with people who have very differing views from yours. Use these convos as opportunities to understand the mindset of people who have landed in a very different place than you. Your goal is to listen, to understand their perspective, but not to necessarily change their mind. If they don’t feel under attack, their “sword and shield may be laid down.” Then genuine dialogue can happen.
4. Help the kids! Encourage outdoor play and discourage phone use as much as possible. Get kids involved in music, dance, or theater to learn discipline and work with others to create something inspiring.
5. Engage with your community. We need a new approach to our interactions with one another. Link up with those who are motivated to address our current polarization. If there isn’t an organization doing this in your community already, prayerfully consider creating one!
6. Engage with your nation. If our nation’s political system has lost much of its commitment to truth, compromise, and civility, it is up to us to turn that around. Stepping away from the tension only makes matters worse. Focus on electing leaders who are people of real vision, those capable of building consensus.
7. Make a personal commitment. We need to fight for what is great and glorious: truth, science, faith, and trust. These are among the grandest achievements and insights of human civilization. To give up on them is to give up on humanity’s potential. To fight for them is to fight for a brighter future for us all. Let us busy ourselves with the task of bringing about greater flourishing of our entire human family! Sign the Road to Wisdom pledge to commit yourself to this project.
1: Truth - There is a reality that exists independently of us, and that statements or beliefs about that reality are true when they accurately describe it, regardless of how we feel about them. It’s useful to think of truth as operating on different levels of certainty: from necessary truth (the innermost layer), to firmly established facts, to uncertainty, and finally to opinion (the outermost layer).
When thinking about untruth, there are 6 categories: ignorance (not possessing the relevant info), falsehood/misinformation (a statement that can be convincingly shown to be untrue), a lie (an intentional distortion of the truth), delusion (one’s competence to understand or address a complicated situation, despite having no real expertise or training), bullshit (a circumstance where the communicator is trying to make an impression on you, but has no interest in actual facts), and propaganda (a massive scale-up of lies and distortions with political intent).
We organize our cognitive experience into a metaphorical web of belief: various threads organized in a circular fashion held together with radial threads. The points where they cross over are nodes, which link up the threads. Nodes near the center are particularly critical. If damaged, the whole structure is at risk to collapse. Beliefs that you are attached to passionately are the nodes near the center (my wife loves me, Jesus died for me, etc).
Farther out are nodes reflecting assertions that you think are likely to be true but are less critical to your sense of who you are and what really matters (my cat loves me, etc). In conclusion, we have central and peripheral nodes!
Questions to Discern Truth:
1. What is the source of the information?
2. Does that source represent real expertise?
3. Is the claim based on an anecdote or a larger study?
4. Does the provider of the information seem objective, or could there be a hidden goal to manipulate you?
5. Is the language sober and accessible, or is it hyperbolic and designed to induce fear and/or anger?
2: Science - This discipline has made remarkable contributions to human flourishing, and we need it more than ever to properly address issues like cancer, pandemics, and climate change. It offers the chance to uncover truths of nature that can help us. Science doesn’t always get it right, but it is self-correcting, and can lead to conclusions about objective truth, providing us with a critical foundation for our future together.
3: Faith - Having faith that is anchored to the fundamentals of love, morality, and goodness can play a critical role on the road to wisdom. The camp of the agnostics is growing, primarily because of society’s aversion to hypocrisy. The secular and self-oriented existence is ultimately empty meaning-wise. There are fundamental questions that science can’t answer: why is there something instead of nothing? What is the source of morality? Do good and evil have any real significance? What is the meaning of life? How, then, should I live my own life? Where do I turn to when everything seems to be coming apart around me? Faith fills the gap!
4: Trust - It is what holds relationships together. Trust is critical for a society to be able to work together. However, it seems that trust is in short supply at the moment: little building, a lot of breakage, and almost no repair.
Collins makes the case that there are “four significant criteria” that most of us use when we’re deciding whether or not to trust a person or an institution:
1. Integrity - Does this person or institution represent honesty and moral uprightness? Do they have a reputation for fairness? How have they handled difficult circumstances?
2. Competence - Does this person know what they they’re talking about? Expertise matters!
3. Humility - Do they recognize their own limitations? Do they practice restraint? Choosing to not claim exceptional insight beyond their own expertise?
4. Aligned Values - Alignment in priorities significantly increases the likelihood of granting trust.
Distrust is growing in our personal relationships and in our confidence in institutions. Where is this coming from? One cause is earned distrust: where failures of individuals or institutions to live up to expectations have led to a justifiable loss of confidence in them. Another type of distrust is not merited or earned, but rather manufactured. Scapegoating is a common symptom of this second form of distrust.
Misinformation, disinformation, fear, and anger are trying to “knock us into the ditch” 24/7. How shall we respond? Tap into your deeply embedded hunger for healing and hope.
1. We need to reanchor our worldview, believing in the objectivity of truth, but also recognizing the different levels of certainty mentioned earlier. When talking with others, build bridges of connection through the shared values of truth, love, beauty, goodness, freedom, faith, and family!
2. We need to distinguish facts from fakes. The rational self is the rider, but our emotions and opinions are the ride. Remember that cognitive bias is a real thing! Your mind can be infected with bad ideas and false beliefs. The best way to prevent these “mind infections” is to maintain a mental immune system that can come to your defense. Make sure to administer a kind of advance immunization to your mind, anticipating the kind of misinformation and disinformation that is likely to appear in a particular situation, otherwise known as “pre-bunking.” Also, don’t be a distributor of information of questionable validity. If you’re not sure it’s true, don’t spread it!
3. Become more comfortable having conversations with people who have very differing views from yours. Use these convos as opportunities to understand the mindset of people who have landed in a very different place than you. Your goal is to listen, to understand their perspective, but not to necessarily change their mind. If they don’t feel under attack, their “sword and shield may be laid down.” Then genuine dialogue can happen.
4. Help the kids! Encourage outdoor play and discourage phone use as much as possible. Get kids involved in music, dance, or theater to learn discipline and work with others to create something inspiring.
5. Engage with your community. We need a new approach to our interactions with one another. Link up with those who are motivated to address our current polarization. If there isn’t an organization doing this in your community already, prayerfully consider creating one!
6. Engage with your nation. If our nation’s political system has lost much of its commitment to truth, compromise, and civility, it is up to us to turn that around. Stepping away from the tension only makes matters worse. Focus on electing leaders who are people of real vision, those capable of building consensus.
7. Make a personal commitment. We need to fight for what is great and glorious: truth, science, faith, and trust. These are among the grandest achievements and insights of human civilization. To give up on them is to give up on humanity’s potential. To fight for them is to fight for a brighter future for us all. Let us busy ourselves with the task of bringing about greater flourishing of our entire human family! Sign the Road to Wisdom pledge to commit yourself to this project.
October 2, 2024
So uplifting. Gave me hope that we will reconcile fellow human beings!
November 15, 2024
This book is so pertinent in the times we live in, where conspiracy theories are at the centre of power and truth is being questioned from all directions and science is put in a test bench as a hypothesis. I have always been a firm believer of faith and science. One does not deny or exclude the other one. The problem is people are so polarized that you either have to on the camp of faith where science is questioned or you have to a pure believer as science as the final authority where faith is being ridiculed and challenged. As I am in the STEM field, I remember vividly people trying to make fun of my faith in God as a fable. Also as a Christian, I also remember some people not believing in science to help cure some diseases. What I like about this book in the political climate we are in, it adresses both camps. You can be a scientist who is a believer in Christ! It just means you are humble enough to know that science doesn’t have all the answers of our existence, but can be used to express nature laws of our world. We don’t have to agree and need to debate on whose truths are absolute, as we all don’t know. We have different beliefs and life experiences. The road to wisdom is actually be willing to sit down and understand and listen to a different perspective from your own. If people did that our world would be a different world and less polarized than its current reality.
March 14, 2025
Review Title: Reflections on Wisdom in a Divided Society
Dr. Collins has a PhD in chemistry as well as an MD. He led the Human Genome Project, was the Director of the National Institutes of Health under three presidents, and founded BioLogos. His latest book is a reflection on his life and career as well as a call to action to seek wisdom and healing in our society.
Chapter 1: Searching for Wisdom in a Troubled Time
“First, I had to give thanks that despite the failure of my project, science had triumphed. The results hurt a lot, because I deeply wanted my experiment [at Yale in 1981] to succeed – but it turned out that they were based on a faulty understanding of nature (p6).” “Science may seem heartless in its refusal to allow conclusions that are not objectively true, but that is as it must be (p6).” “If like-minded people are brought together around a shared issue like abortion, gun control, minimum wage, or climate change, their views will become more extreme over time – as they feed on each other’s sense of how serious the problem is, and how their opponents are not just confused but evil (p22).”
“These four essential goods – truth, science, faith, and trust – are not opposed to one another as they might appear when we allow them to be crudely politicized (p25).”
Chapter 2: Truth
“Afflicted by the polarization of our society, too many of us have lost the ability to separate facts from opinions, and truth from rumors and conspiracies (p32).” “The premise of my book is that by reclaiming the solid ground of truth, science, faith, and trust, we can find ourselves back on the road to wisdom – that ability to bring together experience, knowledge, and good judgment to allow wise personal and professional decisions for ourselves, our families, and our society (p25).” “Hitchen’s Razor: ‘What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence’ (p61).”
Chapter 3: Science
Collins recounts his career path tracing important steps from childhood to pursuing a PhD in chemistry to attending medical school and to his work on the Human Genome Project. “More progress in medical research has been made in the last few decades than in all of previous human history. … When tested in rigorous trials and published in peer-reviewed journals, and with results subsequently confirmed by independent studies, these scientific discoveries can be trusted as a reliable of objective truth (p89).”
“As we seek to find our footing on the road to wisdom, science offers the chance to uncover truths of nature that can help us (p130).”
Chapter 4: Faith
“In a recent survey by Barna Group, a Christian research organization, hypocrisy was the number one reason cited by nonbelievers that made them skeptical of Christianity. But just behind that was the sense that the church is antagonistic to science (p137).”
“After two years of searching, and despite my initial goal of exploring faith traditions in order to strengthen my atheism, I found the evidence for Christianity utterly compelling (p144).” “The study of the DNA genome leads to the compelling conclusion that all living things on planet Earth are related by descent from a common ancestor over three billion years, in a process of gradual change driven by DNA variation and natural selection. … The study of genomics also shows incontrovertibly that we humans are part of that process (p145).” “Yet the study of DNA excludes the possibility that all humans are descended solely and exclusively from one single couple – there’s way too much diversity in our genomes for that (p146).” “Ultimately, ID [Intelligent Design] theory has fallen victim to advances in science that reveal natural explanations for constructs that were claimed to require supernatural explanation (p154).” “In my experience, periods of doubt have often led to an opportunity to learn more about my relationship with God, and to end up with a faith that is ever stronger (p161).”
Chapter 5: Trust
“So wouldn’t achieving a shared understanding and implementation of just these three elements lead to immediate repair of our current disjointed and divisive society? I used to think so but I was naive about that (p177).”
“‘Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair’ (p178).”
“I have come to the conclusion that there are four significant criteria that most of us use when we’re deciding whether or not to trust a person or an institution (p185).” They are integrity, competence, aligned values, and humility. “Every recent survey shows that distrust is growing both in personal relationships and in confidence in institutions (p189).” “‘Trust your gut’ might at times be a reasonable starting place, but it’s the most likely to be colored by cognitive bias, so it should almost never be the end point. Listen to your gut, but then try to verify it (p209).”
Chapter 6: Hope and a Plan of Action
“To move from our current divisiveness to an era of empathy and understanding, it is essential for more of us to become comfortable having conversations with people who have very differing views from ours (pp224-225).” “I find Haidt’s case to be compelling: the loss of play-based childhood and its replacement by the phone-based childhood has done significant damage to young people’s mental health (p230)/”
“We are living in a dark time. But as Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that’ (p237).”
Closing Thoughts:
I hope many read this book to gain insight from such a well-respected, long-time civil servant who has been part of numerous near-miraculous medical breakthroughs. I really appreciate the heart behind this book but found its author more optimistic than me.
Dr. Collins has a PhD in chemistry as well as an MD. He led the Human Genome Project, was the Director of the National Institutes of Health under three presidents, and founded BioLogos. His latest book is a reflection on his life and career as well as a call to action to seek wisdom and healing in our society.
Chapter 1: Searching for Wisdom in a Troubled Time
“First, I had to give thanks that despite the failure of my project, science had triumphed. The results hurt a lot, because I deeply wanted my experiment [at Yale in 1981] to succeed – but it turned out that they were based on a faulty understanding of nature (p6).” “Science may seem heartless in its refusal to allow conclusions that are not objectively true, but that is as it must be (p6).” “If like-minded people are brought together around a shared issue like abortion, gun control, minimum wage, or climate change, their views will become more extreme over time – as they feed on each other’s sense of how serious the problem is, and how their opponents are not just confused but evil (p22).”
“These four essential goods – truth, science, faith, and trust – are not opposed to one another as they might appear when we allow them to be crudely politicized (p25).”
Chapter 2: Truth
“Afflicted by the polarization of our society, too many of us have lost the ability to separate facts from opinions, and truth from rumors and conspiracies (p32).” “The premise of my book is that by reclaiming the solid ground of truth, science, faith, and trust, we can find ourselves back on the road to wisdom – that ability to bring together experience, knowledge, and good judgment to allow wise personal and professional decisions for ourselves, our families, and our society (p25).” “Hitchen’s Razor: ‘What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence’ (p61).”
Chapter 3: Science
Collins recounts his career path tracing important steps from childhood to pursuing a PhD in chemistry to attending medical school and to his work on the Human Genome Project. “More progress in medical research has been made in the last few decades than in all of previous human history. … When tested in rigorous trials and published in peer-reviewed journals, and with results subsequently confirmed by independent studies, these scientific discoveries can be trusted as a reliable of objective truth (p89).”
“As we seek to find our footing on the road to wisdom, science offers the chance to uncover truths of nature that can help us (p130).”
Chapter 4: Faith
“In a recent survey by Barna Group, a Christian research organization, hypocrisy was the number one reason cited by nonbelievers that made them skeptical of Christianity. But just behind that was the sense that the church is antagonistic to science (p137).”
“After two years of searching, and despite my initial goal of exploring faith traditions in order to strengthen my atheism, I found the evidence for Christianity utterly compelling (p144).” “The study of the DNA genome leads to the compelling conclusion that all living things on planet Earth are related by descent from a common ancestor over three billion years, in a process of gradual change driven by DNA variation and natural selection. … The study of genomics also shows incontrovertibly that we humans are part of that process (p145).” “Yet the study of DNA excludes the possibility that all humans are descended solely and exclusively from one single couple – there’s way too much diversity in our genomes for that (p146).” “Ultimately, ID [Intelligent Design] theory has fallen victim to advances in science that reveal natural explanations for constructs that were claimed to require supernatural explanation (p154).” “In my experience, periods of doubt have often led to an opportunity to learn more about my relationship with God, and to end up with a faith that is ever stronger (p161).”
Chapter 5: Trust
“So wouldn’t achieving a shared understanding and implementation of just these three elements lead to immediate repair of our current disjointed and divisive society? I used to think so but I was naive about that (p177).”
“‘Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair’ (p178).”
“I have come to the conclusion that there are four significant criteria that most of us use when we’re deciding whether or not to trust a person or an institution (p185).” They are integrity, competence, aligned values, and humility. “Every recent survey shows that distrust is growing both in personal relationships and in confidence in institutions (p189).” “‘Trust your gut’ might at times be a reasonable starting place, but it’s the most likely to be colored by cognitive bias, so it should almost never be the end point. Listen to your gut, but then try to verify it (p209).”
Chapter 6: Hope and a Plan of Action
“To move from our current divisiveness to an era of empathy and understanding, it is essential for more of us to become comfortable having conversations with people who have very differing views from ours (pp224-225).” “I find Haidt’s case to be compelling: the loss of play-based childhood and its replacement by the phone-based childhood has done significant damage to young people’s mental health (p230)/”
“We are living in a dark time. But as Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that’ (p237).”
Closing Thoughts:
I hope many read this book to gain insight from such a well-respected, long-time civil servant who has been part of numerous near-miraculous medical breakthroughs. I really appreciate the heart behind this book but found its author more optimistic than me.
November 19, 2024
I saw a clip on the author with Stephen Colbert and that prompted me to search for his book and read it. I’m a believer, and I appreciate his way of interweaving his faith and science.
Personally I could’ve done with a lot less politics (the election of 2020, Covid protocols, etc) but that’s literally part of his purpose in writing. It’s just not something that matters much to me; it’s way, WAY out on my spiderweb of beliefs.
Personally I could’ve done with a lot less politics (the election of 2020, Covid protocols, etc) but that’s literally part of his purpose in writing. It’s just not something that matters much to me; it’s way, WAY out on my spiderweb of beliefs.
February 1, 2025
This book about faith, science, truth, and trust is written in a conversational style. Collins’ goal is “to reflect on how believers can integrate their faith into other sources of wisdom. Faith must work hand in hand with truth, science, and trust.” Along the way readers get an excellent example of how a person of science can also be a strong Christian. Through his faith journey, Collins thoughtfully and passionately explains how faith and science not only coexist, but complement each other “to discern truth, and what decision to make when the path is not clear.”
From his personal experiences in his working career, debating others, and drawing on the the guidance of other thinkers, Collins reveals his errors, and his disappointment in our partisan divide, how some faith groups, such as the evangelical church which he belongs to, have strayed from their moral principles, and how the mistakes of leaders - including himself - handling the COVID pandemic exacerbated divisions.
Collins’ reflections on living a good life and how to bridge divisions isn’t new. He hopeful views, though, are thoughtful and refreshing. This is a good book for readers on a spiritual quest; readers who are on the fence about God and science; readers seeking hope and calm.
*************************
Notes:
The focus of faith: love, morality, and goodness.
“The critical guides on the road to wisdom:
1. Discerning objective truth
2. Science as a means of discovering truth about nature
3. Faith as a means of discovering truth about the meaning of life and our calling to be moral creatures” (p. 177)
Christopher Hitchen’s rule: what can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence. (p. 61)
“ . . . wisdom is not the same as knowledge of the truth. One can know the truth but not be wise in acting on it. Wisdom includes understanding and incorporating a moral framework, which guides judgment about decisions in complex situations when the path is not clear.” (p. 170)
Collins calls The Book of Proverbs” one long treatise on wisdom.” The Bible offers verses that can help in how to find wisdom. (Is this not true of literature?)
P. 168-9: Questions science can’t answer: “Why is there something instead of nothing? What is the source of morality? Do good and evil have any real significance, or are these just evolutionary drivers that have been wired into our brains? What is the meaning of life? How, then should I live my own life? Where do I turn when everything seems to be coming apart around me? . . . Science doesn’t help much with these questions. For [Collins], faith fills the gap.”
(Thought: What about philosophy? Psychology?)
The Edelman Trust Barometer: “Distrust breeds polarization, which in turn leads to further distrust.” (p. 198)
The principles of Christian faith:
1. Bridge divisions and animosities in society with love and understanding.
2. Compassion for the suffering (the poor, sick, orphans, prisoners, the “least of these”) per the parable of the Good Samaritan.
3. No room for race distinctions or prejudice.
4. Focus discourse on truth. Refuse to disseminate info that might not be true. Don’t grant our trust to sources that do not deserve it. “In God we trust; all others must bring data.”
5. Reject mindset of catastrophe and apocalypse.
6. Leaders need to model moral character. “Dismissing egregious moral lapses as long as our political goals are achieved is not a godly solution.”
7. Recapture devotion to the 2 great commandants of Jesus: Love God with all of one’s heart and soul and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.
Ask yourself: Are you merciful? Are you pure in heart? are you a peacemaker? Do you see others around you as made in the image of God? Are you a false witness by spreading lies, stirring up conflict? (p, 220)
P. 221: From the book THE LIFE WE ARE LOOKING FOR by Andy Crouch: technology makes us more connected than ever before, but we’re more lonely. The primary goal of technology, social sites like Facebook, is profits (THE POWER OF ONE by Frances Haugen).
Avoid “mind infection,” bad ideas and false beliefs infecting one’s mind, by develop “mental immunity.” But, be aware of becoming skeptical of everything, including well-established facts. Be prepared for bogus info. Have multiple resources. What is the “integrity, competence, and humility” of your sources. (pp. 221-3)
P. 200: 4 criteria to use to determine to trust a person or institution:
1. Integrity
2. Competence
3. Humility
4. Aligned values
How to engage with those who have different views: I NEVER R THOUGHT OF IT THST WAY: HOW TO HAVE FEARKESSLY CURIOUS CONVERSATIONS IN DANGEROUSLY DIVIDED TIMES by Monica Guzman
“Listen to understand, not listen to respond.” Good question to ask: “How did you arrive at this opinion?” (p. 226)
From his personal experiences in his working career, debating others, and drawing on the the guidance of other thinkers, Collins reveals his errors, and his disappointment in our partisan divide, how some faith groups, such as the evangelical church which he belongs to, have strayed from their moral principles, and how the mistakes of leaders - including himself - handling the COVID pandemic exacerbated divisions.
Collins’ reflections on living a good life and how to bridge divisions isn’t new. He hopeful views, though, are thoughtful and refreshing. This is a good book for readers on a spiritual quest; readers who are on the fence about God and science; readers seeking hope and calm.
*************************
Notes:
The focus of faith: love, morality, and goodness.
“The critical guides on the road to wisdom:
1. Discerning objective truth
2. Science as a means of discovering truth about nature
3. Faith as a means of discovering truth about the meaning of life and our calling to be moral creatures” (p. 177)
Christopher Hitchen’s rule: what can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence. (p. 61)
“ . . . wisdom is not the same as knowledge of the truth. One can know the truth but not be wise in acting on it. Wisdom includes understanding and incorporating a moral framework, which guides judgment about decisions in complex situations when the path is not clear.” (p. 170)
Collins calls The Book of Proverbs” one long treatise on wisdom.” The Bible offers verses that can help in how to find wisdom. (Is this not true of literature?)
P. 168-9: Questions science can’t answer: “Why is there something instead of nothing? What is the source of morality? Do good and evil have any real significance, or are these just evolutionary drivers that have been wired into our brains? What is the meaning of life? How, then should I live my own life? Where do I turn when everything seems to be coming apart around me? . . . Science doesn’t help much with these questions. For [Collins], faith fills the gap.”
(Thought: What about philosophy? Psychology?)
The Edelman Trust Barometer: “Distrust breeds polarization, which in turn leads to further distrust.” (p. 198)
The principles of Christian faith:
1. Bridge divisions and animosities in society with love and understanding.
2. Compassion for the suffering (the poor, sick, orphans, prisoners, the “least of these”) per the parable of the Good Samaritan.
3. No room for race distinctions or prejudice.
4. Focus discourse on truth. Refuse to disseminate info that might not be true. Don’t grant our trust to sources that do not deserve it. “In God we trust; all others must bring data.”
5. Reject mindset of catastrophe and apocalypse.
6. Leaders need to model moral character. “Dismissing egregious moral lapses as long as our political goals are achieved is not a godly solution.”
7. Recapture devotion to the 2 great commandants of Jesus: Love God with all of one’s heart and soul and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.
Ask yourself: Are you merciful? Are you pure in heart? are you a peacemaker? Do you see others around you as made in the image of God? Are you a false witness by spreading lies, stirring up conflict? (p, 220)
P. 221: From the book THE LIFE WE ARE LOOKING FOR by Andy Crouch: technology makes us more connected than ever before, but we’re more lonely. The primary goal of technology, social sites like Facebook, is profits (THE POWER OF ONE by Frances Haugen).
Avoid “mind infection,” bad ideas and false beliefs infecting one’s mind, by develop “mental immunity.” But, be aware of becoming skeptical of everything, including well-established facts. Be prepared for bogus info. Have multiple resources. What is the “integrity, competence, and humility” of your sources. (pp. 221-3)
P. 200: 4 criteria to use to determine to trust a person or institution:
1. Integrity
2. Competence
3. Humility
4. Aligned values
How to engage with those who have different views: I NEVER R THOUGHT OF IT THST WAY: HOW TO HAVE FEARKESSLY CURIOUS CONVERSATIONS IN DANGEROUSLY DIVIDED TIMES by Monica Guzman
“Listen to understand, not listen to respond.” Good question to ask: “How did you arrive at this opinion?” (p. 226)
December 31, 2024
Really a 3.75ish, rounded up because this very easily could have been a book that did not work, and yet it kind of did. In some ways, this book is very scattered. It's about critical thinking. It's about science. It's about the value of faith. It's a memoir. It's about fighting misinformation and division. But the more I thought "ugh, he's going off-topic getting into this", the more I realized that no, really, these things are intertwined.
He manages to weave an interesting path, talking about He Who Shall Not Be Named without actually saying his name, and hitting up many different controversies and conspiracy theories to try to set them straight. It comes across as very scattered, but I feel that's because he's talking to multiple audiences. He's trying to talk to both sides of the aisle both politically and religiously, so he tone shifts just a bit, here and there, trying to hit up what he thinks both sides' arguments might be. He does an ok job of it, I thought - reading about his views on how science and faith intertwine was one of the better treatments of that topic I've come across.
Still, this is really one guy's view, and he doesn't hit every note equally well, because as he'll admit, everyone has their biases. You hear about how and why he went from being an atheist to being a born-again Christian. You hear about his experiences running the NIH and mistakes he admits to and concerns he has. And like always when listening to him, I felt like he really did have a core of almost preachy "I know what's right", even when he was talking about listening to each other or sounding kind of off-the-mark. It got worse some times when he was definitely using loaded words without defining them ("evil", for instance), or when in talking about climate change he upholds the value of individual action but doesn't speak a word about how the vast majority of pollution comes from industry, or about how he discusses "atheism" in a way that doesn't seem to jive with the modern atheists I know because the movement has moved past Dawkins and Hitchens in the past three decades. Also anyone who is not of the religious persuasion might roll their eyes a bit at some of his discussion about Jesus and Christianity, but eh, they're his viewpoints, whatever, and I'm sure that someone who is not me will roll THEIR eyes at some of the things that I believe, too.
In the end, I thought this was interesting and well put together. It's not perfect, but he was trying to do a lot of things at once, and I felt everyone could get something out of this. That's a good sign when you're talking about compromise: not everyone should get everything they want.
He manages to weave an interesting path, talking about He Who Shall Not Be Named without actually saying his name, and hitting up many different controversies and conspiracy theories to try to set them straight. It comes across as very scattered, but I feel that's because he's talking to multiple audiences. He's trying to talk to both sides of the aisle both politically and religiously, so he tone shifts just a bit, here and there, trying to hit up what he thinks both sides' arguments might be. He does an ok job of it, I thought - reading about his views on how science and faith intertwine was one of the better treatments of that topic I've come across.
Still, this is really one guy's view, and he doesn't hit every note equally well, because as he'll admit, everyone has their biases. You hear about how and why he went from being an atheist to being a born-again Christian. You hear about his experiences running the NIH and mistakes he admits to and concerns he has. And like always when listening to him, I felt like he really did have a core of almost preachy "I know what's right", even when he was talking about listening to each other or sounding kind of off-the-mark. It got worse some times when he was definitely using loaded words without defining them ("evil", for instance), or when in talking about climate change he upholds the value of individual action but doesn't speak a word about how the vast majority of pollution comes from industry, or about how he discusses "atheism" in a way that doesn't seem to jive with the modern atheists I know because the movement has moved past Dawkins and Hitchens in the past three decades. Also anyone who is not of the religious persuasion might roll their eyes a bit at some of his discussion about Jesus and Christianity, but eh, they're his viewpoints, whatever, and I'm sure that someone who is not me will roll THEIR eyes at some of the things that I believe, too.
In the end, I thought this was interesting and well put together. It's not perfect, but he was trying to do a lot of things at once, and I felt everyone could get something out of this. That's a good sign when you're talking about compromise: not everyone should get everything they want.
January 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. In fact, with a few cautions, I'd say that every Christian should read it. It is largely apologetic in nature, and I'm not a fan of apologetics, but I appreciate this book because, unlike most apologetics, this one is turned towards the church itself. Rather than using tortured and twisted arguments to trick non-Christians into faith, Collins aims his arguments at the church itself, asking Christians to be better, because he knows that a better church is actually our best apologetic as we appeal to the rest of the world with our message of love.
The American Evangelical Church is, of course, the guiltiest of many of the problems described in this book. And, as too few people seem to realize, the Church is much bigger than America, and even within America it's much bigger than Evangelicalism. But, American Evangelicals have done a lot of damage to the reputation of the Chruch all over the world, so Collins' target is well chosen. Conspiracy theorism and hyper-politicization has run wild all over the American Evangelical Church, and in large part, as a "movement," enough of them have lost the message of Jesus enough to have caused significant damage. Collins pleads for reasonableness.
I will say, I disagreed with Collins' plea at the end of the book that Christians should stay politically engaged. This engagement is precisely why we're in this mess. Our current problems are not just because we choose poor leaders, but because the system itself is broken from the ground up. Staying committed to a broken system will only continue to feed it, keeping it alive. If we stop sending money, stop attending rallies, stop voting - if we did this in large enough numbers - the beast would die. Politics is a business, supply and demand. It continues the way it does because people like Collins, well-meaning though he is, continue to encourage people to participate. There's a reason Revelation 18 tells Christians to avoid complicity with empires. They're broken to the core, so telling us to participate will never solve anything. Think about it - most people agree that Jimmy Carter was one of our most godly and trusted leaders, full of integrity. This same man is considered a complete failure as a president. We do not spend enough time thinking about why that is.
Anyway, on the whole, this is a good book. Collins appeals well to the church to trust science, and he appeals well to scientists to consider the truths only known by faith. I hope people read this wise book.
The American Evangelical Church is, of course, the guiltiest of many of the problems described in this book. And, as too few people seem to realize, the Church is much bigger than America, and even within America it's much bigger than Evangelicalism. But, American Evangelicals have done a lot of damage to the reputation of the Chruch all over the world, so Collins' target is well chosen. Conspiracy theorism and hyper-politicization has run wild all over the American Evangelical Church, and in large part, as a "movement," enough of them have lost the message of Jesus enough to have caused significant damage. Collins pleads for reasonableness.
I will say, I disagreed with Collins' plea at the end of the book that Christians should stay politically engaged. This engagement is precisely why we're in this mess. Our current problems are not just because we choose poor leaders, but because the system itself is broken from the ground up. Staying committed to a broken system will only continue to feed it, keeping it alive. If we stop sending money, stop attending rallies, stop voting - if we did this in large enough numbers - the beast would die. Politics is a business, supply and demand. It continues the way it does because people like Collins, well-meaning though he is, continue to encourage people to participate. There's a reason Revelation 18 tells Christians to avoid complicity with empires. They're broken to the core, so telling us to participate will never solve anything. Think about it - most people agree that Jimmy Carter was one of our most godly and trusted leaders, full of integrity. This same man is considered a complete failure as a president. We do not spend enough time thinking about why that is.
Anyway, on the whole, this is a good book. Collins appeals well to the church to trust science, and he appeals well to scientists to consider the truths only known by faith. I hope people read this wise book.
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