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Birth
John Polkinghorne was born on October 16th 1930 to parents George Polkinghorne and Dorothy Charlton. John had an older brother Peter and an older sister, Ann. Ann passed away before John was born. -
Early Education
John Polkinghorne began his education in primary school. However, due to difficulties in reading, he was home schooled by a friend of the family. He went on to attend a Quaker school and later, Grammar school. -
WWII Brother's Keeper
In 1942, John's older brother, Peter, is Killed In Action in the North Atlantic. He was a pilot for the Royal Air Force. -
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"National Service"
John Polkinghorne serves from 1948-1949 in the Royal Army Educational Corps. After his initial training, he taught at the Army Basic Trade Centre. -
Trinity College Bachelor's Degree
John Polkinghorne receives his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Trinity College in Cambridge. -
Contributions to Mathematics
Three papers were published in 1954 by John Polkinghorne: An identity for the S matrix for a finite time interval, Renormalization of the transformation operators of quantum electrodynamics, and Normal products of Heisenberg operators. He publishes numerous papers in the late 1950's later, earning him acceptance to the Royal Society. -
You may call me Doctor
John Polkinghorne receives a Masters Degree in Quantum Field Theory. Additionally, he received his PhD in Quantum Field Theory and offered a fellowship at the California Institute of Technology -
Marriage
John Polkinghorne marries fellow mathematics peer, Ruth Martin. They go on to have three children: Peter (1957), Isobel (1959), and Michael (1963). -
University of Edinburgh
John Polkinghorne became a lecturer of theoretical physics at the University of Edinburgh. -
Return to Cambridge
John Polkinghorne returns to Cambridge as a lecturer. -
Promotion to Professor
In 1968, John Polkinghorne was appointed as a Professor for Mathematical Physics at Cambridge. -
Royal Society
For his contributions to Mathematics, to include "creation of mathematical models to calculate the paths of quantum particles," (O'Connor, Robertson, 2008), John Polkinghorne earns acceptance to the Royal Society. -
Resignation
After years as a Professor of Mathematical Physics, he announces his decision to become an ordained minister. As reiterated on Math History.com (St. Andrews), "The most fundamental reason for thinking about such an unconventional move was simply that Christianity has always been central to my life. Therefore, becoming a minister of word and sacrament would be a privileged vocation that held out the possibility of deep satisfaction." -
A New Path
John Polkinghorne begins studies in theology while working "part-time" in mathematical physics at Trinity College. -
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Ordained
In 1981, John Polkinghorne became an ordained Deacon. He went on to become a vicar shortly after overcoming illness in 1984. He moved on to Dean in 1986 and President of Queen's College in 1989. -
"The Way the World Is:Christian Perspective of a Scientist " - John Polkinghorne
Published in 1983, the book is one of many writings of John Polkinghorne comparing, contrasting and blending the concept of science and religion. -
Society of Ordained Scientist
John Polkinghorne becomes a founder of the Society of Ordained Scientist. -
Retirement
In 1996 John Polkinghorne retires as the President of Queen's College. -
You may call me Sir John Polkinghorne
In 1997, John Polkinghorne is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his "distinguished service to science, religion, learning and medical ethics," (O'Connor, Robertson 2008). -
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International Society for Science and Religion
John Polkinghorne becomes founder of the International Society for Science and Religion. In 2002, he is recognized for his contributions to science and religion was awarded the "Templeton Prize for Progress Toward Research or Discoveries about Spiritual Realities." -
"From Physicist to Priest" John Polkinghorne
After several years of notable publications, a major career shift, and high positions, John Polkinghorne publishes his autobiography. He also publishes "Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship within the same year.
