The Way the World Is: The Christian Perspective of a Scientist

by John C. Polkinghorne

In this brief and highly accessible book for general readers, distinguished physicist-turned-theologian John Polkinghorne presents a reasoned account of the Christian view of the world as seen by the one of the world's leading interpreters of the interface between science and religion. Drawing from his experiences as a scientist and a theologian, Polkinghorne argues that Christianity presents a credible and compelling worldview that can be taken seriously even while fully understanding the importance of science.

Genres: Science, Christianity, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 1983

About the author

John Charlton Polkinghorne is an English theoretical physicist, theologian, writer and Anglican priest. A prominent and leading voice explaining the relationship between science and religion, he was professor of Mathematical physics at the University of Cambridge from 1968 to 1979, when he resigned his chair to study for the priesthood, becoming an ordained Anglican priest in 1982. He served as the president of Queens' College, Cambridge from 1988 until 1996.

Reviews

[Skylar Burris · Rating 2 out of 5]

John Polkinghorne spent many years as a Professor of Mathematical Physics in the University of Cambridge, but he eventually resigned to train for the Anglican ministry. In The Way the World Is, he discusses his reasons for accepting Christianity. If you have already read C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity when you begin The Way the World Is, it will be impossible not to compare the two books. For instance, Polkinhorne's statement: "The quintessence of our moral experience is that what we recognize that we ought to do, is so often what in fact we do not do," reminds me immediately of C.S. Lewis's similar point (not to mention Paul's). Yet the only time Polkinghore mentions C.S. Lewis is to criticize statements he made in Mere Christianity. Polkinghore, however, seems to repeat a number of concepts in Mere Christianity, only in more convoluted terms. Polkinghorne often use scientific analogies to explain Christianity, and they can at times appear irrelevant or out of place. This book, though both insightful and interesting in parts, would not be helpful to someone searching for a defense of Christianity. It is perhaps only worth reading if you have a particular interest in science--otherwise it is often difficult to relate to. He has some excellent passages, however, like the one quoted below.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short little book by an English scientist who became a priest in the Church of England. He discusses why Christianity makes sense to him and how it relates to his background in science. An excellent discussion.