Francis Collins

I recently took part in a podcast about God and the pandemic. Afterwards, an elderly church member sent me a question. “I’ve prayed for God to protect me from COVID”, he explained “So if I take the vaccine, doesn’t that mean I don’t really trust in God?” I don’t want to dismiss that church member’s concerns. You see, I too trust in God. I am a scientist and a physician -- but 45 years ago, as a medical student confronted with suffering and death, I couldn’t find answers from science about the meaning and purpose of life. After a two-year struggle, I became a follower of Jesus. I’ve spent my entire scientific career searching out answers to how life works and how to prevent and treat disease. It may surprise you, but I’ve never encountered a situation where my scientific and spiritual worldviews are in conflict – in fact, I find them to be remarkably harmonious. As the Director of the National Institutes of Health, I’ve seen all of the tools of science brought to bear on this the worst pandemic in more than a century. With many of my colleagues I’ve worked 100 hours a week - desperate to alleviate the terrible suffering and death we have seen across the globe. I have also prayed for answers. And when, just over a year ago, the rigorous clinical trials to test the vaccines revealed an astounding 95% protection against infection, I confess that I cried – and then I gave thanks to God. That scientific result was built on decades of research and an intense effort of scientists in every sector to work together – but it was also an answer to prayer. For me as a Christian, that is often how God answers prayer – by working through human endeavor. Does that make those answers any less wondrous? I don’t think so. For me Science is a way of understanding God’s creation. The laboratory is not so different from the cathedral. So, to the earnest church member I say – your prayers have been answered. God has given you a gift in the vaccine. But you have to open the gift. Give thanks -- and then roll up your sleeve. Blessings for the New Year, as we sing “We’ll take a cup of kindness yet.” Yes, let it be a year of kindness, gentleness, and a determination to seek the truth in all things.