Dr Francis Collins the Christian scientist who worked on the Covid-19 vaccine and the human genome
"God gives us human curiosity" says the renowned American physician-geneticist Dr Francis Collins whose is best known for his leadership of the Human Genome Project and his contributions to finding a vaccine for Covid. It's curiosity which has helped Collins play a part in some of the most extraordinary scientific discoveries of the modern age.
Born in 1950, Collins trained as a physician and geneticist, eventually becoming the director of the Human Genome Project. Under his leadership, scientists successfully mapped the entire human genome providing the first complete blueprint of human DNA. He went on to serve as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) being a guiding force in the medical advances in the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also a pivotal member of the team that discovered the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis.
Collins’ grew up in a secular home but embraced Christianity, finding that faith and scientific inquiry are not enemies but complementary paths to truth.
His latest book The Road to Wisdom: On Truth, Science, Faith and Trust examines the challenges society faces and suggests a way forward that emphasises the importance of truth, science, faith, and trust.
In this episode of The Profile he talks to Premier Christianity Editor Sam Hailes about his work and the resistance he has had to it in recent years, how he sees politics divide people - especially Christians- and how he believes studying science is worship.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
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Leadership Special Alistair Sanders: ‘Christian journalling as a leader’
Andy Peck talks to the former Baptist minister and Bible college lecturer about Christian journalling. They look at how he got into it and how might journalling help a Christian leader? Why is it supported by the Bible and how practically might you go about it?
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Check out the latest offers at premierchristianity.com
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John Dickson: The Aussie apologist on church history, atheism and re-recording the first hymn
John Dickson didn't set food in a church before the age of 15 but says, looking back, he would probably have described himself as a 'thoughtful child'. After his father died in a plane crash he began thinking more about faith and was encouraged to explore Christianity by a secondary school teacher who was very open about her own faith.
Dickson went on to become a singer songwriter in 1990s for the rock band In the Silence before pivoting to academia. His wider work aimes to bridge the worlds of music, popular culture and church history which he's also very passionate about.
His latest documentary film has him artistically exploring the very first hymn. The film charts the discovery of the 1800-year-old papyrus fragment in Egypt and follows Dickson as he works with worship leaders Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding to transform the ancient tune into a modern song. You can hear a part of that collaboration in this conversation.
On this edition of The Profile he talks to Premier Christianity Editor Sam Hailes about a wide range of subjects including his own upbringing and how he once promised to eat a page of the bible if someone could find a professor of theology who argued that Jesus never existed.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
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Leadership Special David Webster: ‘Leading in retirement years’
Andy Peck talks to a former pastor and senior leader about the challenges faced when stepping down from formal church leadership. They discuss the need to ‘repurpose’, the importance of financial provision and creating a new rhythm for life so you can continue to be fruitful in God’s service.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Check out the latest offers at premierchristianity.com
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David Smith - Christian MP and the UK Government's envoy championing freedom of religion
The MP David Smith says that while he never wanted to be a 'pigeonholed' as a Christian neither would he ever deny how central his faith is to his work.
He's only newly been elected to the Labour seat in North Northumberland last year. His previous work included being Chief Executive with Oasis as well as senior roles in faith-based organisations such as Bible Society and Tearfund. It was work that deeply influenced his deep sense of vocation to politics.
In government he's also succeeding Fiona Bruce as the new UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief highlighting his longstanding commitment global human‐rights advocacy.
Smith grew up in the west of Scotland into a family where faith was real and meant something. It become something real to him too after the death of his father in his teens and where in the period after he says God "held him".
In this edition of The Profile he speaks to Premier Christian Radio's Esther Higham, usually found on the Inspirational Breakfast Show. She explores his upbringing, his ultimate path to politics and how he doesn't have much time for the idea that UK Christians are losing their freedom to express their faith.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity Magazine, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. Through our publication, you’ll access thought-provoking Christian content, including the latest news, inspiring interviews, and exclusive commentary. Take advantage of our special offer - just £6 for 3 issues plus full digital access to our website and back issues. Enrich your faith journey and subscribe today at premierchristianity.com/subscribe.
Find out what makes influential Christian leaders tick! Hear the faith stories of a huge range of church leaders, musicians, preachers and more, as they share how God has led and guided them through both valleys and mountain-top experiences.
The Profile brings you in-depth interviews to help you learn from the wisdom and experiences of people who have gone all-in for God.
Past guests include church leaders such as HTB’s Nicky Gumbel, the world renown DJ Moby, Bible teachers Joyce Meyer and John Mark Comer, missionary Jackie Pullinger, Gospel superstar Fred Hammond and worship leaders Martin Smith and Tim Hughes. New episodes are published every Friday, PLUS check out bonus episodes every Wednesday, where our resident leadership expert Andy Peck interviews a range of pastors, preachers and practitioners on the topic of Christian leadership.
The Profile is brought to you by Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine. If you enjoy The Profile you’re sure to love Premier Christianity magazine which will help you understand the changing culture around us and what God is doing through his Church today, read for free now at premierchristianity.com.
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