-
Who was John Polkinghorne
John Polkinghorne, born October 16, 1930, in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England, was an English physicist and priest who publicly championed the reconciliation of science and religion. A prominent and leading voice explaining the relationship between science and religion. He was raised in a quietly devout Church of England family. His mathematical ability was evident as a youngster. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (1952) as well as a master’s degree (1955) and a doctorate (1956). -
University of Cambridge
Polkinghorne was a Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge from 1959 until 1979, when he resigned from the prestigious position to pursue theological studies, entering the priesthood in 1982. An elegant and prolific writer, he authored over 30 books, exploring in rigorous depth the relationship between the discoveries of modern physics and the doctrines of his Christian faith. -
Doctorate in Theoretical Elementary particle Physics
Polkinghorne received an additional doctorate in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics from Trinity College in 1974. His creation of mathematical models to calculate the paths of quantum particles was recognized that year with his selection as a fellow of the Royal Society. John Polkinghorne was a mathematical physicist and Anglican priest whose treatment of theology as a natural science reignited explorations of the relationship between science and religion. -
Priesthood
He resigned from the prestigious position of professor at the University of Cambridge to pursue theological studies, entering the priesthood in 1982. An elegant and prolific writer, he authored over 30 books, exploring in rigorous depth the relationship between the discoveries of modern physics and the doctrines of his Christian faith. He defended the idea that science and religion should be great and equal in seriousness, seeing them as complementary to each other and not as rivals. -
Laureate of Templeton Prize
He received the Templeton Prize in 2002 in recognition of his modern and compelling treatment of theology as a complement to natural science, which when viewed together offers what he called a “binocular” vision of the truth.