John Polkinghorne
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Trinity And An Entangled World
$33.99Add to cartTwentieth-century science discovered that the physical world is profoundly relational – that, thanks to the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, there is a holistic connectivity at the deepest level of physical reality. This new way of comprehending the universe – which brings to mind the mystery at the heart of Trinitarian theology – has inspired thirteen distinguished scholars from physics and theology to explore the role of relationality in both science and religion.
Besides containing insights from both expert scientists and theologians, The Trinity and an Entangled World considers the way in which these parallel insights can contribute to a harmonious dialogue between science and religion.
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Way The World Is
$28.00Add to cartDistinguished physicist-turned-theologian John Polkinghorne offers his personal apologia for the Christian faith. This brief and highly accessible book for general readers presents a reasoned account of the Christian view of the world as seen by one of the world’s leading interpreters of the interface between science and religion. Drawn from his experiences as a scientist and a theologian, Polkinghorne argues that Christianity presents a credible and compelling worldview that can be taken seriously even while fully recognizing the importance of science.
Polkinghorne begins by exploring three views of the world. He summarizes the scientific view, which highlights the perception by scientists of the world as intelligible and characterized by the interplay of chance and necessity and reflecting a delicate and intricate balance in its structure that makes life possible. Then he comments on the personal view of the world, in which experiences of wonder, beauty, and moral obligation demand some explanation. Polkinghorne takes seriously the religious view of the world, particularly the human experience of an Other and transcendent Power with whom we have to deal. He carefully demonstrates how New Testament scholarship is similar to observational science in that it, like science, can be understood only by interpreting available evidence in ways that are sensible and consistent. In addition, he moves beyond a merely theistic worldview to examine the portrayal of Jesus’ deeds and words in the New Testament, paying special attention to his death and resurrection.
This work, which convincingly explores how science and religion both address aspects of the same reality, includes a glossary of key ideas and persons in the worlds of science and theology, making it an ideal introduction to the Christian faith for thoughtful persons.
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Living With Hope
$23.00Add to cartAdvent is a time for deepening encounter with reality, including the ultimate reality made manifest in human form at Christmas and Epiphany. This thought-provoking book illuminates biblical thinking with striking new insights from the author’s twin disciplines of theology and science at the cutting edge of physics.
Though daily readings for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Polkinghorne explores such themes as the end of the world, individual destiny, unseen realities, heaven, hell, and suffering; this is not a book that hides behind platitudes or easy solutions, yet the author offers profound insight into his deep reflections on the nature, meaning, and purpose of creation.
Suitable for individual study, as a guide to prayer during Advent and beyond, or as the basis of small group discussion, Living With Hope offers a unique and inspiring pathway into the coming of Christ in history, in our lives, and in what we shall be.
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End Of The World And The Ends Of God
$74.95Add to cartMany people seem to think that eschatology and science have little or nothing in common, and that each speaks to a different realm of human reality. According to John Polkinghorne and Michael Welker, in the introduction to The End of the World and the Ends of God, the following three cliches about science and theology have contributed to this:
Theology deals with realities unseen, science deals with visible reality;
Theology deals with feelings, science deals with facts;
Theology deals–at best–with personal certainty, science deals with objective truths
This book is a convincing argument that the traditional view of the relationship between science and theology (and eschatology) is wrong. In fact, it argues that eschatology is one of the most suitable intersections between science and theology because “it will help clarify and cultivate the difference between truth claims in both fields.” It also “enables us to formulate eschatological truth claims in the face of the finitude of the world.” In addition, a dialogue between science and theology about eschatology “challenges us to work on the clear differentiation between the sustenance of the world and the new creation: to differentiate between infinity and eternity, between the mere totality of times and the eschatological fullness, and between different types of hope related to one or the other.”This compilation features essays by heavyweights in theology, science and eschatology, including John Polkinghorne, Michael Welker, William R. Stoeger, Hans Weder, Walter Brueggemann, Jurgen Moltmann, and others (for a full listing of contributors, click here). Part one looks at eschatology in the natural sciences, focusing on the inevitable (according to science) natural catastrophes and the hope that Christianity offers against them. In part two, the focus is on eschatology in the cultural sciences and ethics, with a particular emphasis on the shaping of eschatological thought. The third part looks at eschatology in the biblical traditions, and themes of the end-time. Part four examines eschatology in theology and spirituality, focusing on hope and eternal life.
This is not light reading, by any standard. It is truly thought provoking and insightful. Grasping its message of hope will take some effort, but the result will be amazing, causing you to continue to give an answer for the hope you have.
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Science And Theology
$29.00Add to cartIn the burgeoning interaction between science and religion Polkinghorne is a leading light. A classy overview of all pertinent issues (e.g., creation, the nature of knowledge, human identity, and divine agency), this book features well-crafted summaries of the latest scientific thinking.
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Faith Of A Physicist
$29.00Add to cart“I do not find that a trinitarian and incarnational theology needs to be abandoned in favour of a toned-down theology of a Cosmic Mind and an inspired teacher, alleged to be more accessible to the modern mind.”
Many would likely disagree with the idea that a trinitarian and incarnational theology is palatable to the modern mind, for it is thought that science and the modern mind are in conflict with traditional theology. But physicist and theologian John Polkinghorne strongly believes that a trinitarian and incarnational theology is tough, surprising and exciting enough to truly stimulate the modern mind.
The Faith of a Physicist comes out of the invitation given to Polkinghorne to give the Gifford Lectures at the University of Edinburgh, on the topic of “The Knowledge of God”. Polkinghorne chose to build his lectures on phrases from the Nicene Creed. Combining those phrases and his scientific experience, Polkinghorne offers illuminating insights into the nature of humanity, our search for knowledge, the way to speak of God in light of science’s understanding of creation, the believability of the accounts of the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the role of the Holy Spirit, and eschatology. Thoroughly versed in science, and equally adept in Scripture, Polkinghorne offers his lucid explanation of why he feels it is reasonable to be both a Christian and a scientist. Fascinating, and well-written, Faith of a Physicist is sure to stimulate your mind, and broaden your knowledge and horizons. Polkinghorne will not compromise his views on the trintarian nature of God or the incarnation, and he proves that modern science does not require this, nor has modern science proved a trinitarian and incarnational theology to be false. An excellent reminder to take all thoughts captive to Christ.
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Serious Talk
$34.95Add to cartWestern culture needs constant, varied, and skilled attention to loosen the knot that scientism hold upon its open-mindedness. Since religion is frequently accused by scientists of tying just such a knot of its own, all the more urgent that scientists with theological training, such as Polinghorne, be involved in the apologetic enterprise to motivate a belief based upon rational inquiry.
