Science and Religion in Quest of Truth
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Overview
This book draws together all the key insights and arguments from John Polkinghorne’s previous books and presents them in a clear, concise, and readable format for the general reader.
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- Surveys the issues of science and religion through the lens of John Polkinghorne
- Covers the critical issues in the contemporary vigorous dialogue between science and theology
- Encourages readers to be “sincere lovers of and earnest inquirers after truth”
- Truth and Understanding
- Some Lessons from History
- Insights from Science
- Theology and Science in Interactive Context
- Motivated Christian Belief
Top Highlights
“The first is a mistake about science. There are no scientifically interesting facts that are not already interpreted facts.” (Page 1)
“theology is reflection on transpersonal encounter with the sacred reality of God.” (Page 12)
“The physical reductionist who claims that there is nothing but matter and energy, and no truth but the truth of science, is making a metaphysical statement as clearly as someone who looks at the world from a theistic perspective.” (Page 23)
“seldom appropriate. Recall Polanyi’s statement that scientifically he was able to commit himself” (Page 19)
“personal encounter with reality, where each event possesses its own unique character” (Page 3)
I believe that on its own the present book lays out the core concepts that are fundamental in what is surely one of the most significant interdisciplinary interactions of our time, pursued in a wide quest for truthful understanding. The book concentrates on my own work, not at all because I think that I have said all that need be said, but simply because, after more than 30 years of reflection, this is what I have to offer.
—From the Introduction
- Title: Science and Religion in Quest of Truth
- Author: John Polkinghorne
- Publisher: SPCK
- Publication Date: 2011
- Pages: 160
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
7/30/2015
Whilst nowhere near as qualified as the Author, I also have a background that was originally in Science and am now in Religion (in the sense of being a Lutheran Pastor). This is a reasonable book to introduce to someone to some of the arguments of Intelligent Design - though I do think that the Author sees his view of Intelligent Design as the only one - not even allowing for Old Earth Creationism (and especially ignoring Young Earthers). Whilst he does highlight, especially at the end, the differences between world views/faiths - he seems to be reasonably certain that most Christians would agree with him - which is simply not the case. Having a more Mathematical background I enjoyed his coverage of Physics and Cosmology - but I admit I still struggle with the macro aspects of Biological Evolution. The Author doesn't seem to see that it has any issues. Whilst admitting that the Science has had major changes from Newtonian Mechanics to Special/General Relativity to Quantum Mechanics (though I do note he does not seem to be a big fan of String Theory / M Theory), he seems to grant Science a far greater level of "certainty" then I think is warranted. I think his apologetic is aimed more at getting Christians to accept Science, then to argue for Science to accept/allow a place for Religion. Perhaps the book was too short for him to fully make his case, but I was left feeling that the book was wanting.
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