Science and the Trinity
The Christian Encounter with Reality
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
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.
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.
