John Polkinghorne

An introduction to the field of science and religion. After surveying their volatile historical relationship, John Polkinghorne leads the reader through the whole array of questions that arise at the intersection of the scientific and religious quests.

John Polkinghorne has had a distinguished career as a particle physicist and as an author of books exploring themes in science and religion. In Beyond Science Polkinghorne examines the nature of scientific inquiry itself and the human context in which science operates. The book looks to issues of meaning and value, such as scientific competition and subjectivity, as well as more practical aspects of the discipline as the conference circuit and the nurturing of new research. Throughout, Polkinghorne offers an accessible and personal view of science and its relationship to the human spirit.

Ian Barbour, Arthur Peackocke and John Polkinghorne are major contributors to the current interaction between science and religion. Although starting as scientists, all three have produced important work by crossing over to the field of theology. But, as their thinking has developed, differences between them have emerged. Questions such as the significance of Jesus, the Bible and the relationship between modern scientific knowledge and traditional theology have revealed a variety of approaches. One of the three now gives his survey of the debate. John Polkinghorne sets out clearly where they agree, why they differ and draws conclusions about possible future directions. His account provides both an accessible introduction to the field of science and religion and an assessment of what is at stake.