Scientists as Theologians (Paperback)

~ John Polkinghorne (Author), John Polkinghorne (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Ian Barbour, Arthur Peacocke 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: SPCK Publishing (1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0281049459
• ISBN-13: 978-0281049455
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,054,439 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful comparative study of three scientist-theologians, April 17, 2000

By A Customer

In this book, the noted scientist-theologian John Polkinghorne engages in constuctively critical dialogue with the thought of two of his leading colleagues in the field, Ian Barbour and Arthur Peacocke. He provides a remarkably fair and balanced presentation of his colleagues's views, while at the same time indicating where his own views diverge from these. Issues covered include the motivation for both scientific and religious belief, human and divine agency, creation, the dialogue with world faiths, and the particularity of Christian belief. Especially helpful is Polkinghorne's discussion of the three thinkers' positions in terms of the pursuit of strategies of "assimilation" versus "consonance"; this discussion helps readers of the author's other, more difficult works by situating his ideas in meaningful relation to those of Barbour and Peacocke. In short, this book is a useful and highly readable short introduction to the burgeoning dialogue between science and theology.