Traffic in Truth: Exchanges Between Science and Theology

by John C. Polkinghorne

The frontier between science and theology has seen much cross-border traffic and the occasional border war. Scientist and priest John Polkinghorne lucidly and accessibly explains the common approaches and what each side has to offer the other. Despite pockets of skepticism and misunderstanding on both sides, Polkinghorne shows, integration of their respective findings remains a viable goal, and exciting vistas can open for both fields.

Genres: Science

72 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

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

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book after hearing Ravi Zacharias mentioned him in one of his speeches, and it was very interesting/provacative. The book is extremely small and can be read in one sitting (i.e. 30 minutes).



The problem according to Dr. Polkinghorne between science and theology is that they do not respect each others' boundaries, thus casuing name-calling and ill-feelings, largely unneeded. Polkinghorne states that inhabitants in "theology land" make scientific judgements (usually ignorantly) about "science land", and vice-versa.



Polkinghorne states the problems that then arise when people who are not trained in a specific discipline make authoriative pronouncements on that discipline. At this point I fully agree. However, he does make several comments that left me uncomfortable, but that is natural. We will never always agree.



At the end of the book he points scientists and theologians towards a scientific apologetic, nicely done. It is a great read and could be used as a tool for reaching out to sceptics, opening their eyes to the natural mysteries of God. I would also give this to conservative evangelicals (including me) to help them understand the role of Science in God's plan.

[Tim Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I can't see God--so I can't believe in the Creator" has been a common objection to Christianity [and other theistic worldviews]. However, I REALLY liked the example John Polkinghorne, Anglican priest, former Professor of Mathematical Physics and past President of Queen's College, Cambridge, England gave when he mentioned how we can't see quarks and gluons [the most basic constituents of matter that are currently known to us] either, but we can see their effects. The same with God.

Now, this thin, 53-page book, "Traffic in Truth," covers the cross-border traffic and occasional border war between science and theology. He simply mentions how each side is often specifically skeptical and misunderstands the other, but he also shows how their integration is a viable goal and offers exciting panoramas.

I personally am a bit uncertain as to how to view the age of the Earth, and Polkinghorne states his personal view, but there are various reasons as to why I believe as I do. This being said, I still greatly appreciate the clarity and simplicity his book reads. It gives me some ideas how to challenge both theists AND scientists to consider the other perspective as they finish high school [and beyond] and choose their future careers and outlook on life.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short read (I think it says 64 pages on goodreads but in actuality it's 54). Not a book you come to for deep insights and definitive answers. It's a book that challenges you to engage, to not stay off on the side and plead ignorance to big questions in science and faith. I walked away wanting to let my brain be stretched with thoughts and findings on both sides (science-land and theology-land) so that a "fruitful exchange" can exist, as Polkinghorne says.

Some interesting quotes:

"Some of my theological colleagues seem to dwell in a kind of intellectual ghetto, where answers to deep questions are apparently provided in the form of unquestionable and mysterious information, to which the name of "faith" is misapplied. Of course, theology does have its own sources of insight, but these are not a collection of non-negotiable propositions but the record of God's revelatory acts conveyed through the history of a people (Israel), a person (Jesus Christ) and a community (the church).

"Science is asking how questions while theology is asking why questions."

"Theology's job is not to rival science on its own ground (the how questions) but to complement science by offering its own more profound kind of understanding (the answers to why questions)."

"There common cause for truth means that the frontier between them will always be busy with traffic across its open border. For both sides, the question of truth is the paramount question."

[Wes Hazard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A medium length essay written by a physicist/Anglican priest about science & theology and how how they're often regarding as opposing countries with closed borders. Polkinghorne attempts to refine that metaphor and show that not only is that border fluid, it's also to the mutual benefit of the inhabitants of both lands that they learn to recognize what the other side has to offer and make crossings themselves (at least every now and then). Plainspoken, measured, & genuine, this is a good quick read for atheists,agnostics and believers alike. It makes few broad decrees about the need for belief, rather it simply explains why a man who is throughly invested (professionally & intellectually) in the value of modern experimental science & scientific truth has religious faith and how it's in fact strengthened by his investment in science.

*Part of the "Facets" series by Fortress Press, a line that I'm definitely interested in looking at further.

[Christian Proano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice propositions, a call to have an open mind and not to force those who ask the question Why to answer the question How and vice-versa, very interesting reading. Don't agree with all the details but overall is good.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great little book. Polkinghorne, as he does so well, builds a bridge between science and theology. He can't deal with a lot in this slim volume, but it's a great place to start.

[Sa Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. I like how he tries to bring these two universes together. And, it all makes sense. It was most interesting me since he is an Anglican priest his thoughts. I think that he has something good going here in his thought process.