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Questions of Truth: Fifty-one Responses to Questions About God, Science, and Belief
How did the universe begin? Can God's existence be proven? Do humans matter more than animals? For many years people have sent the scientist-turned-priest John Polkinghorne these and other questions about science and belief. In question-and-answer format, Polkinghorne and his collaborator Nicholas Beale offer their highly informed opinions about some of the most frequently asked of these questions. Readers can follow their own paths through the book, selecting questions that interest them and looking at the additional material if they choose. This unique book will help Christians clarify their beliefs regarding difficult issues and better face challenges--from within and from others--to their faith.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2009
27 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
John C. Polkinghorne
65 books126 followersJohn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 23, 2011
Another good read from John Polkinghorne. This isn't a typical book but rather a collection of brief articles explaining Polkinghorne's thought on 51 different topics relating to faith and science. As such, the book is a bit tough to rate. Some of the answers are right on; others, not so much.
Polkinghorne is a scientist and theologian but it's obvious his primary training is as a scientist. There are a few key points where I completely disagree with his theology (He's an adamant open theist and describes himself as a near universalist). To me the biggest criticism of his positions on these issues is how little he relies on and interacts with Scripture when coming to them. For as much as I find those conclusions problematic, the way he goes about reaching them is even more troubling.
Fortunately, those issues don't make up the majority of the book. The real value here, as in all of Polkinghorne's work, is seeing the collision of faith and science through the eyes of a highly trained and qualified physicist. As long as you go into this book understanding that Polkinghorne is a scientist with some great insights in theology (and not the other way around), there's a ton of value here. It's not for everyone but I found Questions of Truth to be a great read. 3.5 stars
Polkinghorne is a scientist and theologian but it's obvious his primary training is as a scientist. There are a few key points where I completely disagree with his theology (He's an adamant open theist and describes himself as a near universalist). To me the biggest criticism of his positions on these issues is how little he relies on and interacts with Scripture when coming to them. For as much as I find those conclusions problematic, the way he goes about reaching them is even more troubling.
Fortunately, those issues don't make up the majority of the book. The real value here, as in all of Polkinghorne's work, is seeing the collision of faith and science through the eyes of a highly trained and qualified physicist. As long as you go into this book understanding that Polkinghorne is a scientist with some great insights in theology (and not the other way around), there's a ton of value here. It's not for everyone but I found Questions of Truth to be a great read. 3.5 stars
August 19, 2009
John Polkinghorne is a highly respected physicist and an Anglican priest. He and his partner Nicholas Beale present the case, through answers to questions from people who read their blog, for the existence of God and for reconciling science with faith. These are not fundamentalists, they don't read the bible literally and the science is great. They admit that God's existence can be neither proved nor disproved. Very thoughtful and generous even towards those who ridicule religious belief. The writing is not as much fun as it could be.
July 6, 2016
Some of their short answers to large questions were enlightening. Others not so much. The lengthy appendices presumed a higher level of working knowledge of science and philosophy than their 51 questions and answers.
December 31, 2022
John Polkinghorne is a Cambridge physicist who decided, mid-career, to become an Anglican priest. Like a good scientist working out a theory, he worked out how his orthodox Christian beliefs were essentially compatible with modern physics. He has won international acclaim and awards for his insights about religion and science. Especially central to his contributions is the idea that both disciplines require a certain amount of belief and faith. This book, compiled with his collaborator Beale, explains in short form his approach to religion and science.
This book is organized around 51 questions about seven topics, including God, the universe, evolution, and religion. The writing is quite dense and carefully considered. Along with Polkinghorne’s other works, this book provides a concise introduction to how modern science and religion can be viewed as essentially compatible. It reads almost like a catechism about the integration of science and religion.
Central to Polkinghorne’s insights is the idea of the “anthropic principle” where the universe requires some degree of fine-tuning to support human life. He sees an opening for a divine agent. He also moves the conversation on from the framework of a purely mechanistic universe. Through quantum science – referred to consistently in this work – science has moved on past a mechanical/deterministic philosophy. He invites religion to do the same by finding God in the details of quantum atomic arrangements.
Polkinghorne’s writings are not for the faint of heart. They require a certain knowledge of physics as a prerequisite, and many religiously inclined individuals will simply not possess this. That said, it does describe the scientific theories behind Polkinghorne’s beliefs, and the motivated reader can slow down to gather knowledge. The integration of science and religion is an important topic that, due to a high degree of requisite education, few can speak knowledgeably about. This book is an significant contribution to that discussion. If faith is to have a place in the minds of the modern intelligentsia, works like this must be a key part of that discussion.
This book is organized around 51 questions about seven topics, including God, the universe, evolution, and religion. The writing is quite dense and carefully considered. Along with Polkinghorne’s other works, this book provides a concise introduction to how modern science and religion can be viewed as essentially compatible. It reads almost like a catechism about the integration of science and religion.
Central to Polkinghorne’s insights is the idea of the “anthropic principle” where the universe requires some degree of fine-tuning to support human life. He sees an opening for a divine agent. He also moves the conversation on from the framework of a purely mechanistic universe. Through quantum science – referred to consistently in this work – science has moved on past a mechanical/deterministic philosophy. He invites religion to do the same by finding God in the details of quantum atomic arrangements.
Polkinghorne’s writings are not for the faint of heart. They require a certain knowledge of physics as a prerequisite, and many religiously inclined individuals will simply not possess this. That said, it does describe the scientific theories behind Polkinghorne’s beliefs, and the motivated reader can slow down to gather knowledge. The integration of science and religion is an important topic that, due to a high degree of requisite education, few can speak knowledgeably about. This book is an significant contribution to that discussion. If faith is to have a place in the minds of the modern intelligentsia, works like this must be a key part of that discussion.
March 7, 2019
A helpful presentation of many issues ranging from string theory, physicalism (are we simply brute material?) to evolution to social co-operation. It is a penetrating piece of work which satisfactorily replies to many objections atheists and other worldview may have about the Christian worldview. Highly recommended to have, at least for a guide to the current concerns. The appendices are splendid and heartily commended for their relevance and intrigue. Tangentially, these topics are relevant to all fields of research particularly if you wish to establish the tenets of your field (ontology 'first philosophy in Aristotle's words' and 'epistemology'; axiology needn't be discussed as its in plain site what the value valence is pivoting on from the discussion.)
P.S. Stirring material that has helped iron out some unanswered questions I have had (i.e. a scathing comment from one of a pair of reviewers of my philosophy dissertation on not using Jaegwon Kim's material on physicalism; well now I understand why I didn't use his material at the time... it was not viable in explaining the gamut of phenomena we have presented before us, namely, if we were just physical entities and that alone, we would be determined in our 'choices' ; volition would be precluded. Pre-christian conversion, I found this irksome. My conclusion was that a special science such as linguistics (Chomskian noun phrase etc) cannot be reduced into neuroscientific terms (neural correlates). The authors have helped me partly to bridge that empirical gap. Thank you.
P.S. Stirring material that has helped iron out some unanswered questions I have had (i.e. a scathing comment from one of a pair of reviewers of my philosophy dissertation on not using Jaegwon Kim's material on physicalism; well now I understand why I didn't use his material at the time... it was not viable in explaining the gamut of phenomena we have presented before us, namely, if we were just physical entities and that alone, we would be determined in our 'choices' ; volition would be precluded. Pre-christian conversion, I found this irksome. My conclusion was that a special science such as linguistics (Chomskian noun phrase etc) cannot be reduced into neuroscientific terms (neural correlates). The authors have helped me partly to bridge that empirical gap. Thank you.
December 22, 2021
The authors provide thoughtful answers to serious questions like God's existence, creation, cosmology, quantum physics, and evolution. Regardless of whether the reader is a religious fundamentalist or devout atheist, this book will provide plenty of food for thought. The volume covers a lot of ground. For readers who want to dig deeper into a specific topic, the authors provided further recommendations at the end of each section. My only major complaint is the format. The more comprehensive answers to some of the questions are embedded in the appendix, which also repeat some of materials in the earlier sections.
March 25, 2018
Wonderful
Such a wonderful read. The depth of knowledge found in this book is immense. I highly recommend it for anyone asking the tough questions in regards to the relationship between science and faith. I appreciate the honesty, the care and the willingness to take on tough issues.
Such a wonderful read. The depth of knowledge found in this book is immense. I highly recommend it for anyone asking the tough questions in regards to the relationship between science and faith. I appreciate the honesty, the care and the willingness to take on tough issues.
June 27, 2020
He asks good questions and answers many about truth
March 26, 2021
Some wonderful stuff from one of the greatest physicists of our time - who realized physics didn't have all the answers
January 20, 2022
An interesting and helpful discussion of the most important questions on the crossroads of science and Christianity.
August 31, 2023
Interesting book although much of it was way over my head. A good effort, though, at reconciling the animosity between science and religion.
February 7, 2011
The authors clearly believe that the earth evolved over millions of years. They think that man evolved over that period of time as well. Adam was supposedly the first man to evolve with a spirit, not created from the earth like the Bible says. By embreacing the 'Old World Theory', it clearly screws up their theology. They believe that the first 11 Chapters of Genesis should not be taken literally and should be embraced as hyperbole.
I made it through the book and even looked at the Appendix but really had a hard time embracing their words. Very few times were scriptural references included. They mainly offered their beliefs through the eyes of science and not the eyes of God.
I would not recommend this book.
I made it through the book and even looked at the Appendix but really had a hard time embracing their words. Very few times were scriptural references included. They mainly offered their beliefs through the eyes of science and not the eyes of God.
I would not recommend this book.
January 9, 2011
If I had not read any Polkinghorne this might be a 4-star for me. But most of the material was a superficial rehash of other work. Fifty-one responses to questions where some you could write entire books on makes it almost impossible to deal with in a few pages each. If it were not for the appendices which dove a little deeper on a few topics this would get a two-star rating.
May 17, 2017
Phenomenal book! The answers to the questions are concise, but full of enough detail to sufficiently answer them. The addition of the appendix supplies a more complex and complete look at several subjects within the book. Overall, it is a worthwhile read - full of beneficial responses to tough questions you have or will ask at some point in your life.
August 19, 2010
I would probably need to read this book again to form any educated opinion on it, but it was very thought-provoking for me.
February 22, 2016
Réponses pour chrétien ayant de la difficulté à accepter la science. C'est écrits sous forme de questions et réponses. Simple à lire et agréable.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews