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John Charlton Polkinghorne Is Born
John Polkinghorne is born east of Bristol, United Kingdom.
He is raised in church, which plays a crucial role in the course of his life's work. -
Polkinghorne is Appointed Professor of Mathematical Physics
Polkinghorne's education transpired rapidly, earning a Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate in 1952, 1955, and 1956, respectively. After holding two positions as a lecturer, he was appointed a Professor of Mathematical Physics at Cambridge University. -
Academic Peak
John Polkinghorne, with P. V. Landshoff, submit an article titled "Strong interactions at large transverse momentum" (1973)
This work, building on previous models for proton production, earned Polkinghorne selection as a Royal Fellow. He was also awarded a Doctorate in theoretical elementary particle physics from Trinity College, his alma mater. Despite this, John had more work planned. American Physical Society, Vol 10, Issue 3, 1974, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.10.891 -
Polkinghorne Retires from Academia
Despite his contributions and recognition, John retires from academia and begins his theological pursuits. He is ordained a few years later. -
The Way The World Is
After seemingly mastering quantum physics and metaphysical religious studies, Polkinghorne releases his first book titled "The Way The World Is." This book was the first of many he would go on to write which related theology and science, almost uniting their themes seamlessly. -
Polkinghorne is Knighted
John's groundbreaking fusion of science and theology earn him knighthood in 1997. This recognition is due to his relentless advancement and exhibition of critical thinking and exhortation for a more unified relationship between our observable environment and humanistic desire for metaphysical comprehension. -
Inquisitive, Interdisciplinary Virtuoso
John Polkinghorne is still active in the community of science and theology. He uses a great amount of philosophy in science to create an outlook that sees a balance in many disciplines, which does include science and theology. Here is a video where one may observe John's use of logic and creativity to seek to further his own understanding.
https://www.pbs.org/video/religion-and-ethics-newsweekly-sir-john-polkinghorne-science-and-theology/