-
Born
John Polkinghorne was born on October 16, 1930. -
Period: to
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics: 1952
Master's Degree: 1955
Doctorate in Quantum Field Theory: 1956 -
Married
John Polkinghorne met Ruth Martin, who was also a mathematics student and a member of the Christian Union. They got married 3 years after they both graduated with their bachelor's degree. They were only ever married to one-another. -
Start of Career
Polkinghorne began his career as a lecturer for theoretical physics in Edinburgh, Scotland. He stayed there for two years before moving on to further career advancements. -
Period: to
Early Career Continued
After his lectureship in Edinburgh, Polkinghorne was invited to return to Cambridge as a lecturer in 1958. He was there for about 10 years before being elected into a newly created professorship in Mathematical Physics in 1968. -
The Royal Society
In 1974, Polkinghorne was honored for his outstanding contributions to mathemetical physics by being elected to the Royal Society. The Royal Society began in the 1600s that consisted of natural philosophers and physicians. Today, they are the UK's national science academy and a Fellowship of some 1,600 of the world's most eminent scientists. -
Career Change
In 1977 Polkinghorne decided to make a major career change by entering the ordained ministry of the Church of England. -
A Student Once More
In 1979 he resigned from his professorship and began training for the ministry at Westcott House in Cambridge. He spent two years there, and is quoted as saying "it was odd becoming a student again after so many years as a university teacher." While he was there learning, he remained a part-time tutor in mathematical physics. -
Period: to
Religious Career
Polkinghorne held many different positions and titles from 1981 to 1989 when it came to his new career in religion. In 1989 he became President of Queens' College, Cambridge. He stayed in this position until he retired in 1996. -
Knighted
In 1997, Polkinghorne was knighted for distinguished service to science, religion, learning and medical ethics. -
Templeton Prize
In 2002, he was awarded the Templeton Prize. The Templeton Prize honors individuals whose exemplary achievements advance Sir John Templeton's philanthropic vision: harnessing the power of the sciences to explore the deepest questions of the universe and humankind's place and purpose within it. -
Death
John Polkinghorne recently passed away in March of 2021.