Slipped ever so casually into a New York Times profile on Dr. Francis Collins, the new director of the National Institutes of Health, is this stunning and not-so-objective example of reporting:
"First, there is the God issue. Dr. Collins believes in him. Passionately. And he preaches about his belief in churches and a best-selling book. For some presidential appointees, that might not be a problem, but many scientists view such outspoken religious commitment as a sign of mild dementia."Excuse me. Rewind the tape, please. Did the New York Times just say that people who believe in God and talk about it have dementia?
In an otherwise unremarkable profile, this offhand remark, which is never backed up by anything that could even remotely be considered "evidence," is included as part of a discussion on whether Dr. Collins, who happens to be Christian, could possibly handle the reins of NIH and believe in God at the same time. Quoted in the article is another doctor who says that Dr. Collins' two-year search for God after being questioned by a patient about his beliefs and his conclusion that yes, there is a God, is "enough to cause concern."
Dr. Collins, unfortunately, supports "therapeutic cloning," which is probably the only reason the Times didn't complete discredit him and his beliefs. Well, that and the fact that he drives a Harley and plays guitar with rock stars. In other words: He may be crazy but at least he's cool. Glad the Times reporter knows what's important. Read the full profile HERE.
