From Physicist to Priest: An Autobiography [Paperback]

John Polkinghorne (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Cascade Books (August 31, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556359101
• ISBN-13: 978-1556359101
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #762,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Autobiography of a Remarkable yet "Ordinary" Life, May 27, 2008

By 

David Ross "Cook, Chemist, Nurse" (Rochester, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Physicist to Priest (Hardcover)

Author, theologian and scientist John Polkinghorne describes his life as "ordinary". This is true only to the extent that an author of 30 books, Cambridge college president, honored physicist and theologian can be described as ordinary. As a warning, Polkinghorne's autobiography lacks drama and is more plainly and humbly written than the best of his science-theology work. It was difficult to get a sense of the intellectual passions and motivations that clearly make him more than ordinary. It is perhaps his own humility that prevents him from seeing this. While comfortable with great ideas he is largely unwilling to claim any greatness for himself. In contrast to his personal lack of glamor as he portrays it, are his honors as Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) in 1997 and recipient of the 2002 Templeton Prize (for Progress Toward Research or Discoveries about Spiritual Realities). These show a man who is extraordinary in his willingness to embark on a great intellectual adventure. In a sense, I was disappointed by the lack of a clear statement of what motivated Polkinghorne to become such a prolific author. On consideration I realized that it is simply due to his quiet passion for writing, teaching and ideas.

While this is an honest and accessible book it will be of interest mostly to those who are already familiar with or deeply interested in Polkinghorne's theological writings. In particular the chapter "Theological Writing" is an important guide in sorting out his many books for interested readers. Some of his more accessible recent works such as Belief in God in an Age of Science or Exploring Reality: The Intertwining of Science and Religion are actually more engaging and among the better places to start for most readers.

Polkinghorne's decision to transition from academic physicist to priest (starting seminary at age 49 in 1979) is described in simple terms of prayerfully and thoughtfully pursuing a career that he felt would be a source of "deep satisfaction" to him as a Christian believer. Most interesting to me is that the question of the interaction of science and religion was apparently not of particular importance to his decision to enter the priesthood. Also remarkably, his wife Ruth returned to school at the same time at age 48 to train as a nurse. After serving enjoyable though relatively brief stints as a curate and parish priest in local parishes Polkinghorne returned to an academic setting to serve as Dean of Chapel at Trinity Hall. He subsequently served as President of Queens' college until his retirement in 1996. His years as priest and academic allowed him the time to write a series of more than 20 well regarded books on the intersection of science and religion.