Science and the Trinity: The Christian Encounter with Reality - Softcover

Polkinghorne, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 030011530X ISBN 13: 9780300115307

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2006

Synopsis

One of our great theologians, also a physicist, here sets a new agenda for religion’s dialogue with science

Most often, the dialogue between religion and science is initiated by the discoveries of modern science—big bang cosmology, evolution, or quantum theory, for example. In this book, scientist-theologian John Polkinghorne changes the discussion. He approaches the dialogue from a little-explored perspective in which theology shapes the argument and sets the agenda of questions to be considered.

The author begins with a review of approaches to science and religion in which the classification focuses on theological content rather than on methodological technique. He then proceeds with chapters discussing the role of Scripture, a theology of nature, the doctrine of God, sacramental theology, and eschatology. Throughout, Polkinghorne takes the perspective of Trinitarian thinking while arguing in a style that reflects the influence of his career as a theoretical physicist. In the final chapter, the author defends the appropriateness of addressing issues of science and religion from the specific standpoint of his Christian belief. His book provides an important model for theologians and scientists alike, showing how their two fields can inform one another in significant ways.

About this title

About the Author

John Polkinghorne, F.R.S., K.B.E., is past president and now fellow of Queens’ College, Cambridge, as well as canon theologian of Liverpool. A quantum physicist who became an Anglican priest, he is one of only two clergypersons who are Fellows of the Royal Society. Among his many honors is the 2002 Templeton Prize for Progress Toward Research or Discoveries about Spiritual Realities.

From Publishers Weekly

As a Cambridge physicist and Anglican priest, Polkinghorne is well qualified to address science-and-theology issues, but the depth and originality of his work amounts to much more than the sum of his credentials. Polkinghorne's theme here is "particularity," a summons to "bottom-up thinking" that engages theology, science and human experience in all their living detail—or what Polkinghorne calls their "thickness." Polkinghorne's love of thickness is reflected in his efforts to describe a Trinitarian—and not merely theistic—account of God's relationship to the universe, as well as his attempt to temper theological preferences for the eternal and spiritual with a greater appreciation for time and materiality. "The gift given by Love," Polkinghorne insists, "is that creatures should be allowed to be themselves" as reflected by the fact that "Christian salvific symbols are never merely free-floating, but always anchored in actual occurrence." Polkinghorne writes masterfully. He can be accurate without becoming technical, simple without becoming simplistic, orthodox without posturing as a defender of the faith. He challenges future theologians and church leaders to be "realistically modest" about what thinking can achieve, "while, on the other hand, we must not succumb to intellectual laziness." This volume provides a valuable introduction to Polkinghorne's interests and the theology-science dialogue in general, with references to other works where readers can research topics in more detail.
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Edition details

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 030011530X
• ISBN 13: 9780300115307
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 184