Science and Theology: An Introduction

by John Polkinghorne

Publishers:

SPCK; Fortress Press

, 1998

Overview

In this short masterpiece, eminent scientist and theologian John Polkinghorne offers an accessible, yet authoritative, introduction to the stimulating field of science and religion. After surveying their volatile historical relationship, he leads the reader through the whole array of questions that arise at the intersection of the scientific and religious quests.

The author provides a marvelously clear overview of the major elements of current science including quantum theory, chaos theory, time and cosmology. He offers a concise outline of the character of religion and shows the potential to illumine some of the thorniest issues in theology today—creation, nature of knowledge, human and divine identity, and agency. He introduces complex ideas so gently and persuasively that at each turn one is inspired to follow the next step of the argument.

The author is a sturdy player in this emergent enquiry and he demonstrates that a sturdy faith has nothing to fear and much to gain from an intellectually honest appraisal of the new horizons of contemporary science.

In the Logos edition, this valuable volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• 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”

Contents

• The Area of Interaction
• The Scientific Picture of the World
• Humanity
• Theism
• Divine Action
• Christian Theology
• The World Faiths
• The Search for Knowledge and Wisdom

Top Highlights

“Are scientific theories just convenient ‘manners of speaking’, or do they describe the physical world as it actually is” (Page 6)

“Scientific theories purport to make assertions about what happens everywhere and at all times” (Page 10)

“No clear separation can be made between theory and experiment” (Page 9)

“indicating possible modes of interaction between the two disciplines” (Page 1)

“Experimental vision is clouded by the complexity of what is going on” (Page 10)

Praise for the Print Edition

A remarkably clearly written, direct, and attractive book, which should appeal not just to students but to everyone who wishes to understand the issues. . . . It is a most enjoyable book to read and offers a vast amount of information in a very accessible way.

—The Expository Times

Polkinghorne’s prose is crisp and concentrated. He knows his material and conveys a marvelous grasp of his subject. . . . A helpful entrée and a handy reference.

—Anglican Journal

An important book for both theologians and scientists. It gives a balanced account of the many issues emerging out of the encounter of science and religion.

—Lucien Richard, professor of theology, School of Theology, Boston University

Product Details

• Title: Science and Theology: An Introduction
• Author: John Polkinghorne
• Publisher: SPCK
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 152

About John Polkinghorne

Rev Dr. John Polkinghorne (1930-2021) was a distinguished physicist who spent recent decades studying and writing about the relationship between science and faith. His physics career began at Cambridge where he studied under the legendary quantum pioneer P.A.M. Dirac and others, and he worked for 25 years in the field of theoretical elementary particle physics as a professor at Cambridge. He resigned his professorship in 1979 and became an Anglican priest, and since then has become a leading spokesman for the faith among serious scientists. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1974, and was appointed KBE (Knight Commander of the order of the British Empire) in 1997.