Theology in the Context of ScienceJust as gendered, cultural, and geographical perspectives have illuminated and advanced theological thought, the contributions of twentieth-century science have much to offer theology. In his latest book, physicist-theologian John Polkinghorne, renowned as one of the world's foremost thinkers on science and religion, offers a lucid argument for developing the intersection of the two fields as another form of contextual theology. Countering recent assertions by new atheists that religious belief is irrational and even dangerous, Polkinghorne explores ways that theology can be open to and informed by science. He describes recent scientific discourse on such subjects as epistemology, objectivity, uncertainty, and rationality and considers the religious importance of the evolution in these areas of scientific thought. Then, evaluating such topics as relativity, space and time, and evolutionary theory, he uses a scientific style of inquiry as a foundation on which to build a model of Christian belief structure. Science and theology share in the great human quest for truth and understanding, says Polkinghorne, and he illustrates how their interaction can be fruitful for both. |
Contents
1 | |
Discourse | 19 |
Time and Space | 48 |
Persons and Value | 68 |
Consonance Creation Providence and Relationality | 96 |
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Common terms and phrases
actual anthropic argument Arthur Peacocke attempt behaviour block universe bottom-up carbon-based causal century chapter character Christology claim classical physics complex concept concern consonant contemporary context of science contextual theology cosmic history course creation Creator death degree discourse discovery discussion dissipative systems divine ence encounter ethical evolutionary example experience exploration Exploring Reality fact faith God’s human idea incarnation interpretation issues J. C. Polkinghorne Jesus judgement kenosis kind knowledge matter means metaphysical metascientific motivated belief multiverse N. T. Wright natural theology Newtonian offer Pannenberg particular Paul Dirac personhood persons physical world physicists possible present psychosomatic quantum physics quantum theory question rational reality recognise religious resurrection science and religion science and theology science’s scientists seek seems significance simply spacetime SPCK/Yale University Press special relativity specific story superposition principle temporality Testament theologians theology’s thinking tion truth understanding unfolding unique