John C. Polkinghorne, internationally renowned priest-scientist, addresses fundamental questions about how scientific and theological worldviews relate to each other in this, the second volume (originally published in 1988) of his trilogy, which also included Science and Providence and One World.

Dr. Polkinghorne illustrates how a scientifically minded person approaches the task of theological inquiry, postulating that there exists a close analogy between theory and experiment in science and belief and understanding in theology. He offers a fresh perspective on such questions as: Are we witnessing today a revival a natural theology-the search for God through the exercise of reason and the study of nature? How do the insights of modern physics into the interlacing of order and disorder relate to the Christian doctrine of Creation? What is the relationship between mind and matter?

Polkinghorne states that the "remarkable insights that science affords us into the intelligible workings of the world cry out for an explanation more profound than that which it itself can provide. Religion, if it is to take seriously its claim that the world is the creation of God, must be humble enough to learn from science what that world is actually like.The dialogue between them can only be mutually enriching."

About the Author

John C. Polkinghorne is an Anglican priest, a fellow of the Royal Academy past president of Queens' College, Cambridge University, and former professor of mathematical physics at Cambridge. Polkinghorne resigned his chair in physics to study for the Anglican priesthood. After completing his theological studies and serving at parishes, he returned to Cambridge. In 1997, Dr. Polkinghorne was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for distinguished service to science, religion, learning, and medical ethics. He was the recipient of the 2002 Templeton Prize. He lives in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Reviews

"For far too long the science-religion debate has been dominated-even clouded-by questions of biological evolution thrown up in the nineteenth century, while the transformation of the physical world in the twentieth has often seemed strangely irrelevant. This book epitomizes a welcome trend to redress the balance. . . . [It] is to be warmly recommended to all who seek to enrich the dialogue between science and theology."

- C. A. Russell, Science Christian Belief

Book Information
ISBN 9781599471006
Author John C. Polkinghorne
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint Templeton Foundation Press,U.S.
Publisher Templeton Foundation Press,U.S.
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 140mm * 18mm