Collins and Kant

Francis S. Collins is a former Atheist, now Christian, with a interesting message. Collins believes that science and religion are compatible. Collins position is reminiscent of the 17th century philosopher Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason – which describes separate spheres of influence between the metaphysical and physical. Simply stated, science cannot be used to explain religion any more than religion can be used to explain science. The two spheres of influence are separate; one sphere can be used to explain the physical, the other to explain the metaphysical. One does not preclude the other. Therefore it is possible for the Pope to support the Theory of Evolution, and for a scientist to be a practicing Christian.

Of course, if you have no faith – well... you’ve still got a problem.

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