Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship by John Polkinghorne (PDF)

Description

One of today’s greatest thinkers ponders a surprising set of similarities between two important forms of the search for truth Despite the differences of their subject matter, science and theology have a cousinly relationship, John Polkinghorne contends in his latest thought-provoking book. From his unique perspective as both theoretical physicist and Anglican priest, Polkinghorne considers aspects of quantum physics and theology and demonstrates that the two truth-seeking enterprises are engaged in analogous rational techniques of inquiry. His exploration of the deep connections between science and Christology shows with new clarity a common kinship in the search for truth. Among the many parallels he identifies are patterns of historical development in quantum physics and in Christology; wrestling with perplexities such as quantum interpretation and the problem of evil; and the drive for an overarching view in the Grand Unified Theories of physics and in Trinitarian theology. Both theology and science are propelled by a desire to understand the world through experienced reality, and Polkinghorne explains that their viewpoints are by no means mutually exclusive.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “A model of conceptual clarity.”―Commonweal”Although the book is intended for nonspecialists, Polkinghorne’s own expertise shines through in the quiet confidence with which he cites examples to back his main theses. . . . Quantum Physics and Theology helps to counteract the stereotype that comes up all too often in religion and science controversies: Science has to do with indubitable truths while religion is nothing more than speculation, personal opinion, or uncritical acceptance of tradition.”―Robert B. Griffiths, Physics Today”When John Polkinghorne writes on the intersection of science and religion, one pays attention.”―Anthony L. Blair, Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith”It is a highly readable book, appropriate for use in undergraduate courses on religion and science. . . . The book is an important contribution to the dialogue between Christian theology and physics.”—Yiftach J. H. Fehige, American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly”Polkinghorne explores the underlying truth-seeking connection between science and religion and executes this task with a rare blend of precision and clarity.”—Nathan J. Hallanger, The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley”Polkinghorne’s life project is to show that science and religion are two rational structures between which there are significant homologies. It is most fascinating in Quantum Physics and Theology to observe him demonstrate this thesis.”—Miroslav Volf, Yale Divinity School About the Author John Polkinghorne, KBE, FRS, is fellow and retired president, Queens’ College, Cambridge University. He was founding president of the International Society for Science and Religion and in 2002 was awarded the Templeton Prize. He is the author of many books, including the following published by Yale University Press: Exploring Reality: The Intertwining of Science and Religion; Science and the Trinity: The Christian Encounter with Reality; The God of Hope and the End of the World; and Belief in God in an Age of Science.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This has been a fun read. It’s the first of Polkinghorne’s I’ve ever read, so I’m still getting used to his style. But, fortunately, for such a smart guy, he writes in a pretty straight-forward way. The scientific concepts he engages, though, can get pretty deep. And he slides into them so easily one can start to drown without realizing he or she is in slightly above their head.In general the book argues that science and theology share a common pursuit of truth, specifically concerning reality. In that what both pursue is essentially the same (albeit both traverse much different paths), there have arisen a few similarities in their individual endeavors. These are what the bulk of his book explores. Every chapter introduces a main theme and then he has more specific concepts undergirding this main theme, each concept being accompanied by examples from both scientific and theological development.The primary scientific development he has in view are those developments in the last century or two concerning the advent of quantum physics. As a theologian who also loves science, this was a great book for me because he helped provide a little transition from surface level concepts of quantum theory to deeper explanations, and his pairing of the development of these with theological developments really put it into a context I could connect pretty easily with.The fun twist at the end was the concluding assertion that a true Theory of Everything is trinitarian theology. He builds a foundation for this throughout, but most blatantly in the fourth chapter. In the end, there are some interesting implications for the intersection of theology and science. The best part of this, in my mind, is how he upholds the integrity of the search for truth in both fields – both are needed and both have something significant to contribute. And they each need one another.In the end, is this book for you? I would say that this book is for those who are interested in diving into the intersection of science and theology. But you have to be willing to wade into some deep scientific concepts—the journey is worth it, and he does his best to make it accessible. I found it a mostly easy read, the concepts being rich, but his explanations were fairly straight-forward. I think some pastors would find some interesting illustrations in the book, and many youth pastors will find some great ways to discuss science with the youth they are discipling. In those cases, it could really help those who are struggling navigating an anti-religious bias in their cultural context (whether high school or college).

⭐…as in the headline. He seems like he is writing to show others how well versed he is in the use of big words in the English language and all for the purpose of self-glorification. I could care less how many advanced degrees and impressive titles a person may hold; TRUTH is simple and should not be veiled in a walled barrier of unnecessary comprehension effort. For example, here is a paragraph he wrote:”The intertwining of theory and experiment, inextricably linked by the need to interpret experimental data, does indeed deed imply that there is an unavoidable degree of circularity involved in scientific reasoning. This means that the nature of science is something more subtle and rationally delicate than simply ineluctable deduction from unquestionable fact.” – WHO WOULD LIKE TO EXPLAIN THIS PARAGRAPH TO ME IN SIMPLE TERMS WITHOUT LOOKING UP WORDS IN A DICTIONARY? – Our Creator did not make TRUTH beyond the reach of sincere human effort – insofar as He would ALLOW that truth to be revealed. Daniel in chapter 12, verse 8, as well as the 11 apostles on the Mt. of Olives in Acts 1 verse 6 learned this by the questions they asked in these verses. The net net to both: “sorry, but that’s not for you to know [right now].” Rewrite your book John, and get some help from an everyday sinner who will help you keep it simple yet get your point across. There is much simplicity in TRUTH. cr

⭐If you are excited about the premise, and are thinking this book will draw parallels between the two concepts, you will be sorely disappointed.The author talks about “methods” in science then jumps onto weak analogies in Christianity (not general Theology as the title suggests)Continuous cycle of: Scientist A discovers X, then scientist B explains it better, and scientist C explains even better. Then onto forcing scriptures and stories into the same build.No science connections, just method/approach similaritiesTerribly disappointed.

⭐Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship is an excellent discussion of epistemology, which is the “theory of knowledge especially with regard to its methods and validation.” (Oxford Pocket American Dictionary of Current English) In this short clearly written book Polkinghorne (JP) begins by dealing with the question of truth, an issue fundamental to our understanding of the world. His discussion ranges from the modernist belief in objective truth to postmodernism which teaches that the truth of a subject varies according to the believer. Namely, that there is no universal truth. JP presents his understanding of this tension as an idea called “critical realism”. Having defined his assumptions, he begins his analysis of two very different subject areas, Christian theology and Quantum theory, in their search for truth and in the similarity of their methods and problems. A quick list of the topics included in the comparison contains 1. Moments of enforced radical revision; 2. A period of unresolved confusion; 3. New synthesis and understanding; 4. Continued wrestling with unresolved problems; 5. Deeper implications. He discusses each of these areas in depth from the point of the quantum scientist which he was for 25 years and the ordained priest in the Anglican church. What I, a believing Christian and a follower of scientific knowledge, have gained from this book is the ability to refute scientific dismissal of the development of theological thought as so much wishful thinking and blind obedience.

⭐The writer is a Fellow of the Royal Society. Google this. He is an Anglican priest. He shows that the latest discoveries of science confirm that there is a God. His writings include words that I do not use in everyday conversation. His lectures on U tube are much more user friendly.

⭐Very interesting book.

⭐The book fulfills its purpose. It will help scientific minds that are interested in quantum physics to think more about theology. It will also lead theologians to think more about science and more specifically quantum physics. If the reader keeps in mind that this is an introduction and that the author does not engage in the subject of quantum physics early but really wants to introduce what is similar between quantum physics and theology then one will realize that the book fulfills its purpose.

⭐Theology, Philosophy and Science meet in this book!John gives a basic but deep and inspiring lecture in this book, 100%recomendable!

Keywords

Free Download Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship in PDF format
Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship PDF Free Download
Download Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship 2008 PDF Free
Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship 2008 PDF Free Download
Download Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship PDF
Free Download Ebook Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship