Faith, Science and Understanding - Hardcover

Polkinghorne F.R.S. K.B.E., John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300083726 ISBN 13: 9780300083729

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2000

Synopsis

In this captivating book, one of the most highly-regarded scientist- theologians of our time offers a thought-provoking exploration of the interaction between science and theology. John Polkinghorne defends the place of theology in the university, discusses the role of revelation in religion, and focuses closely on reconciling what science can say about the processes of the universe with theology's belief in a God active within creation.

About this title

About the Author

John Polkinghorne, K.B.E., F.R.S., is past president and now fellow of Queens' College, Cambridge, and Canon Theologian of Liverpool, England. He is the author of many books, including Belief in God in an Age of Science.

From the Inside Flap

In this captivating book, one of the most highly regarded scientist- theologians of our time explores aspects of the interaction of science and theology. John Polkinghorne defends the place of theology in the university (it is part of the human search for truth) and discusses the role of revelation in religion (it is a record of experience and not the communication of unchallengeable propositions). Throughout his thought-provoking conversation, Polkinghorne speaks with an honesty and openness that derives from his many years of experience in scientific research. A central concern of Polkinghorne's collection of writings is to reconcile what science can say about the processes of the universe with theology's belief in a God active within creation. The author examines two related concepts in depth. The first is the divine self-limitation involved in creation that leads to an important reappraisal of the traditional claim that God does not act as a cause among causes. The other is the nature of time and God's involvement with it, an issue that Polkinghorne shows can link metascience and theological understandings. In the final section of the book, the author reviews three centuries of the science and theology debate and assesses the work of major contemporary contributors to the discussion: Wolfhart Pannenberg, Thomas Torrance, and Paul Davies. He also considers why the science-theology discussion has for several centuries been a particular preoccupation of the English.

Reviews

Theologian and physicist Polkinghorne is eminently qualified to write on theology and science. This book consists of "further thoughts" on issues raised in four earlier books. Polkinghorne strongly argues theology's place in the postmodern university, drawing attention to its methodological affinity with the natural sciences. In both, he insists on a "bottom up" approach--that is, more pragmatic than systematic--in which biblical material and creation are read as evidence, not simply as revelation. Later, he locates himself in a group of scientist-theologians that includes Ian Barbour and Arthur Peacocke; readers will find this self-location, which includes delineation of parallels and divergences, most helpful. He also critically reviews Wolfhart Pannenberg and Thomas Torrance, two theologians who have ventured to address science. The concluding chapter is a concise history of science and theology in England that corrects popular distortions connected with the reception and continuing influence of Darwin. In all, the book is an engaging discussion of an important, little understood disciplinary intersection as well as a congenial point of entry into Polkinghorne's influential work. Steven Schroeder
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Edition details

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0300083726
• ISBN 13: 9780300083729
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224