The Strengths Of Sam Harris's Argument Against Francis Collins

Jessica Brazeau

Professor. Kraynak

Reason, Faith, and Politics

3.5.2023

Prompt 1: The Strengths of Sam Harris’s Argument against Francis Collins and His Beliefs

In his article, “The Strange Case of Francis Collins”, Sam Harris attacks Francis Collins’ belief in theistic evolution as well as his appointment to the head of the National Institute of Health(NIH). Francis Collins believes in theistic evolution or the idea that God guides evolution and the development of the world. While Collins maintains that he can be both a scientist and devout believer, Harris argues his religious views may impede his ability to run the NIH. Harris makes a compelling argument that Collins's views may limit the advancement of science and affect his motivation

Those who criticize Harris believe that forcing people to choose whether they believe in faith or science will only further divide the scientific and religious communities. Harris acknowledges this argument, writing “that if we oblige people to choose between reason and faith, they will choose faith and cease to support scientific research.” (Harris). This is potentially dangerous to the future of science. Polarization could drive funding and support away from the scientific community and limit further advancement. Additionally, it would turn religious individuals away from theories of science such as evolution. In response, Harris argues that “the goal is to get them [religious individuals] to value the principles of reasoning and educated discourse that now make a belief in evolution obligatory” (Harris). Instead of convincing the religious community to acknowledge the truth behind scientific theories, religious individuals should be able to understand why they are true. In Harris's opinion, understanding the reason behind ideas like evolution and valuing the education they can offer is more important than settling for the religious community to simply tolerate scientific theories. Having religious communities learn to value the reasoning and logic behind science could bring the two communities closer

Throughout chapter 22 of Genesis, Abraham goes through the preparations in order to sacrifice his son. Abraham’s only hesitation seems only to be the lack of materials he has to perform the sacrifice and even then “When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about” (Genesis 22:3). Abraham seems completely willing to sacrifice his son with no rational or thought out explanation. Kierkegaard believes Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son reflects his unquestioning and absurd faith in God. In fact, Kierkegaard asserts that “It was not for the sake of saving a people, not to maintain the idea of the state, that Abraham did this, and not in order to reconcile angry deities'' (Kierkegaard 133). Without any other obvious motivating factor, Kierkegaard believes that Abraham’s faith needs no reason or justification to follow God's commands. However as Hazony counters, one must look at other chapters of Genesis in order to understand Abraham’s actions and interpretation of God’s