Coexist Quote by Francis Collins
“Science is...a powerful way, indeed - to study the natural world. Science is not particularly effective...in making commentary about the supernatural world. Both worlds, for me, are quite real and quite important. They are investigated in different ways. They coexist. They illuminate each other.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 2015 interview with Francis Collins, National Institutes of Health
Science explains the natural world through empirical methods, while the supernatural is addressed by other ways; both are real and can inform each other.
In simple terms: Science studies nature, other ways study the supernatural; both matter.
Respect both methods and let them complement each other.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research
- personal belief
- education
- public policy
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we honor both scientific rigor and spiritual experience?
- What boundaries should be set between empirical evidence and faith?
Science cannot prove or disprove supernatural claims; belief may conflict with evidence.