I think that's the mother and father of all cop-outs. It's…
![“I think that's the mother and father of all cop-outs. It's an honest scientific quest to discover where this apparent improbability comes from. Now [Francis] Collins says, "Well, God did it. And God needs no explanation because God is outside all this." Well, what an incredible evasion of the…” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/72d/richard-dawkins-115_cop_i-think-that-s-the-mother-and-father-of_3082551.jpg)
“I think that's the mother and father of all cop-outs. It's an honest scientific quest to discover where this apparent improbability comes from. Now [Francis] Collins says, "Well, God did it. And God needs no explanation because God is outside all this." Well, what an incredible evasion of the responsibility to explain. Scientists don't do that. Scientists say, "We're working on it. We're struggling to understand."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote criticizes using God as a shortcut to avoid scientific explanation, urging responsibility to seek natural explanations.
In simple terms: Avoid blaming God for unknowns; seek scientific answers.
Key Takeaway
Ask why we need evidence before belief.
Themes
science
faith
responsibility
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- debates on origin of life
- public discussions on religion
- education curricula
- personal belief crises
Key Concepts
theism
explanatory gaps
scientific method
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would change your view?
- How do you handle uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
Some may view scientific humility as insufficient for existential questions.