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Approach Quote by Francis Collins

“Are we using science in ways that it wasn't intended to, in which case we should be a little careful, or are we using faith in ways that faith wasn't really designed for? There are certain questions that are better answered by one approach than the other, and if you start mixing that up, then you…” quote by Francis Collins
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“Are we using science in ways that it wasn't intended to, in which case we should be a little careful, or are we using faith in ways that faith wasn't really designed for? There are certain questions that are better answered by one approach than the other, and if you start mixing that up, then you end up in ... conflict.”

Francis Collins

About This Quote

Source Interview: Science & Faith Dialogue, 2014

Science and faith address different questions; mixing them can cause conflict if misapplied.

In simple terms: Science and faith solve different problems.

Key Takeaway

Apply each to its proper domain.

Themes

epistemology ethics conflict

Mood

thoughtful balanced

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education curricula
  • public health messaging
  • personal decision‑making

Key Concepts

philosophy of science theology methodology

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should science guide policy?
  • When is faith appropriate?
A Different Perspective

Overlap may yield insight but also confusion.

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