Science and Theology: An IntroductionIn this short masterpiece, eminent scientist and theologian John Polkinghorne offers an accessible, yet authoritative, introduction to the stimulating field of science and theology. After surveying their volatile historical relationship, he leads the reader through the whole array of questions at the nexus of the scientific and religious quests. A lucid and lively writer, Polkinghorne provides a marvelously clear overview of the major elements of current science (including quantum theory, chaos theory, time, and cosmology). He then offers a concise outline of the character of religion and shows the joint potential of science of religion to illumine some of the thorniest issues in theology today: creation, the nature of knowledge, human and divine identity and agency. Polkinghorne aptly 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. |
Contents
| 1 | |
The Scientific Picture of the World | 25 |
Theism | 66 |
Christian Theology | 96 |
The World Faiths | 120 |
The Search for Knowledge and Wisdom | 128 |
| 134 | |
| 142 | |
Other editions - View all
Science and Theology: An Introduction J. C. Polkinghorne,John Polkinghorne No preview available - 1998 |
Common terms and phrases
actually Anthropic Principle approach argument assertion behaviour belief big bang block universe causal chaos chaos theory Chapter character Christ Christian Christology claim classical complex concept concerned consideration contemporary cosmic history cosmology creation Creator critical realist death discernible discourse discovery discussion divine action effects electrons encounter entities epistemology equations ethical evolution evolutionary existence experience fact faith traditions fundamental Galileo God's happen human idea Inclusivism insight intellectual interaction interpretation issues Jesus kind knowledge many-worlds interpretation matter mental metaphysical mind molecules natural theology Newtonian ontological particles particular person philosophical physical process physical world physicists Polkinghorne possible present problem properties Quantum Cosmology quantum theory quantum world quarks question reality reductionism reductionist religion religious resurrection Schrödinger's cat science and theology science's scientific scientists seems significance simply special relativity specific story strategy superposition principle temporal theism theodicy theologians thinking thought understanding understood world faith