"To explain the unknown by the known is a logical procedure; to explain the known by the unknown is a form of theological lunacy"

This quote by David Brooks is a criticism of using religious explanations for phenomena that can be discussed by science. He is suggesting that it is illogical to use religious descriptions for things that can be discussed by the understood, scientific realities. He is implying that it is a form of lunacy to utilize spiritual descriptions for things that can be discussed by the known, as it is not based upon any proof or sensible thinking. He is recommending that it is more sensible to utilize clinical explanations for the unidentified, as it is based on evidence and sensible thinking. This quote is a criticism of those who use spiritual explanations for things that can be explained by science, and it is a suggestion that science need to be used to discuss the unknown.