Reason and Reality: The Relationship Between Science and Theology

by John C. Polkinghorne

In his trilogy - "One World", "Science and Creation" and "Science and Providence" - Polkinghorne showed how new discoveries such as quantum theory and chaos theory opened the way to a new relationship between science and religion. In this book, he returns to the science-theology debate.

119 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 1991

About the author

John Charlton Polkinghorne is an English theoretical physicist, theologian, writer and Anglican priest. A prominent and leading voice explaining the relationship between science and religion, he was professor of Mathematical physics at the University of Cambridge from 1968 to 1979, when he resigned his chair to study for the priesthood, becoming an ordained Anglican priest in 1982. He served as the president of Queens' College, Cambridge from 1988 until 1996.

Reviews

[Matt Lee]

Thoroughly disappointing. I had high hopes for this book, but I was entirely let down.

The very small positives were so infrequent, I cannot justify a rating above 1 star. The author's discussions on dynamical systems and quantum mechanics were pleasant to read, as a mathematician/theoretical physicist, however I didn't read this book for a discussion on abstract maths.

Sadly, as I feared, it is Polkinghorne's theology and attitude to Scripture that is at the heart of most of the issues. He plays so fast and loose with both, it is hard to know where to begin. The most heinous error is the author's incredibly liberal view of the entire first 11 chapters of Genesis (calling them a myth) and seemingly most of the OT and, moreover, generally doesn't believe Scripture to be inspired at all. Having said that, the author's quick tarnishing of all Reformed Christians as having a Zwinglian attitude towards the Lord's Supper left a rather sour taste in my mouth.

[Larry Taylor]

essential for understanding science and faith

[Colin]

Going back to this book that was quite popular in my cor lês at uni. I was a Christian then and surrounded by chemists, and Polkinghorne's books were taught in year 1, so they made for some good chat. Reading it as an atheist now, frankly, it felt like he was reaching a bit. If you share his point of view, hell probably help you get perspective on how to view science, but if you're on the outside, it won't draw you in.

[Mark Matzeder]

Intriguing reflections on theology in the light of the Quantum Age. It was thought-provoking even not knowing much about either component. Had I more familiarity my rating probably would have been higher.

[Stanford]

Exceptional discussion of the two categories of science and theology and a defense of critical realism.