Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship

by John C. Polkinghorne

Despite the differences of their subject matter, science and theology have a cousinly relationship, John Polkinghorne contends in his latest thought-provoking book.  From his unique perspective as both theoretical physicist and Anglican priest, Polkinghorne considers aspects of quantum physics and theology and demonstrates that the two truth-seeking enterprises are engaged in analogous rational techniques of inquiry. His exploration of the deep connections between science and Christology shows with new clarity a common kinship in the search for truth.
 
Among the many parallels he identifies are patterns of historical development in quantum physics and in Christology; wrestling with perplexities such as quantum interpretation and the problem of evil; and the drive for an overarching view in the Grand Unified Theories of physics and in Trinitarian theology. Both theology and science are propelled by a desire to understand the world through experienced reality, and Polkinghorne explains that their viewpoints are by no means mutually exclusive.


 

Genres: Science, Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, Physics, Philosophy, Christianity

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

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

[K.M. Weiland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably not the best book for me to have read first thing in the morning before my brain cells were properly warmed up. It’s hardly a tour de force, but it presents some interesting approaches and food for thought.

[Allan Bevere · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Polkinghorne's "Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship" is a remarkable exploration of the intersection between two seemingly disparate fields: science and theology. Polkinghorne, a theoretical physicist turned Anglican priest, is uniquely positioned to navigate and elucidate the profound connections between quantum physics and Christian theology. His book offers a compelling argument for the compatibility and mutual enrichment of scientific and theological inquiry, challenging the often assumed dichotomy between the two.

The book is structured around the central thesis that quantum physics and theology, despite their apparent differences, share a surprising kinship in their approaches to understanding reality. Polkinghorne begins by acknowledging the distinct methodologies and epistemologies of science and theology. He respects the autonomy and integrity of each discipline while highlighting their complementary nature. Science, with its empirical and experimental approach, seeks to uncover the workings of the natural world. Theology, on the other hand, engages with questions of meaning, purpose, and the divine. Polkinghorne argues that these two domains, when properly understood, do not conflict but rather offer different perspectives on a unified reality
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One of the key themes Polkinghorne explores is the concept of "bottom-up thinking" in science and "top-down thinking" in theology. In quantum physics, scientists start with observable phenomena and develop theories to explain them, working from the bottom up. In theology, the approach is often top-down, beginning with overarching doctrines and beliefs and interpreting individual experiences in light of these. Polkinghorne suggests that both approaches are necessary for a complete understanding of reality. He also makes it clear that such top-down thinking in theology is not possible without the bottom up experience of the first Christians whose experience of the risen Jesus shaped their reading of Scripture and subsequent reflections. Science can inform and correct theological concepts, while theology can provide a broader context and deeper meaning to scientific discoveries.

Polkinghorne delves into specific areas of overlap between quantum physics and theology. One of the most intriguing is the concept of complementarity, a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics introduced by Niels Bohr. Complementarity posits that particles such as electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties, depending on the experimental context. This duality defies classical logic but is essential to understanding quantum phenomena. Polkinghorne draws a parallel to theological doctrines such as the dual nature of Christ, who is both fully divine and fully human. Just as complementarity in physics requires a new way of thinking beyond classical categories, so too does the doctrine of the Incarnation challenge conventional logic.

Another significant parallel Polkinghorne explores is the role of mystery and paradox in both quantum physics and theology. In quantum mechanics, phenomena such as entanglement and superposition defy intuitive understanding and remain deeply mysterious. Similarly, theological concepts such as the Trinity and the problem of evil involve profound mysteries that resist complete rational explanation. Polkinghorne argues that embracing mystery is not a sign of weakness in either discipline but rather an acknowledgment of the complexity and depth of reality. Both science and theology, he contends, require humility and openness to the unknown.

Polkinghorne also addresses the issue of divine action in the world, a topic of significant debate in both science and theology. He critiques both the deistic view, which posits a distant, non-intervening God, and the interventionist view, which suggests that God occasionally breaks the laws of nature. Instead, Polkinghorne advocates for a model of divine action that is consistent with the regularity of natural laws while allowing for God's continuous involvement in creation. He suggests that the indeterminacy and openness inherent in quantum physics provide a framework for understanding how God might act within the natural order without violating it. This approach preserves both the integrity of scientific explanations and the meaningfulness of theological claims about divine providence.

Throughout the book, Polkinghorne emphasizes the importance of dialogue and integration between science and theology. He criticizes the "warfare" model that pits science against religion and advocates for a more nuanced and constructive relationship. Polkinghorne calls for scientists and theologians to engage with each other's work, recognizing that both disciplines offer valuable insights into the nature of reality. He envisions a collaborative approach where science and theology inform and enrich each other, leading to a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of existence.

One of the strengths of Polkinghorne's writing is his ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and accessibly. He does not shy away from the technical aspects of quantum physics or the intricate doctrines of Christian theology, yet he presents them in a way that is understandable to readers without specialized knowledge in either field. His writing is thoughtful and reflective, inviting readers to ponder deeply the questions he raises. Polkinghorne's dual expertise in science and theology lends credibility and depth to his arguments, making his case for their kinship all the more persuasive.

"Quantum Physics and Theology" is not without its challenges and controversies. Some readers may find Polkinghorne's attempts to reconcile scientific and theological concepts overly ambitious or unconvincing. Critics from both the scientific and theological communities might argue that he blurs the boundaries between the disciplines or stretches the parallels too far. However, Polkinghorne anticipates these objections and addresses them thoughtfully, acknowledging the difficulties while maintaining his conviction that science and theology can and should engage in meaningful dialogue.

In conclusion, John Polkinghorne's "Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship" is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the relationship between two fields often seen as incompatible. Polkinghorne's unique perspective as both a scientist and a theologian allows him to bridge the gap between quantum physics and Christian theology, revealing their surprising commonalities and mutual enrichment. The book challenges readers to move beyond the simplistic dichotomy of science versus religion and to embrace a more integrated and holistic understanding of reality. Polkinghorne's work is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation between science and theology, offering a hopeful vision of their unexpected kinship.

[Banner · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Polkinghorne demonstrates that the way scientists approach the search for truth in physics is allegorical to the approach theologians use in the same search. He is careful not to push the allegory too far and notes some important differences between the two disciplines.

Consider, "do we believe in order to understand or understand in order to believe." These questions were similarly helpful in both physics and theology. The dilemma was answered historically as, both. An ideology was developed that Polkinghorne refers to as critical realism. This is reasonably imagining a solution without the presents of empirical data. This leads to a motivation to use both experiment and experience in the search for truth.

The critical thinking skills that had to be developed in order to lead to the quantum theory is allegorical of how theologians come to learn of an inconceivable God. What might seem illogical or even ridiculous to the uninformed could just be thinking "outside the box" so to speak. Two forms of rational enquiry developing similar skills searching for truth.

Polkinghourne sees truth pointing toward the historical resurrection of Jesus. This event is central to our understanding of God.

To quote. "The purpose of this book is to purse further the analogies between the scientific investigation of the physical world and theological exploration of the nature of God."

[Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polkinghorne is a retired physicist and a practicing Anglican priest. This may re-inforce your faith in a world of doubt.

[Adhella Subalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quite a tedious read. It was kinda hard motivating myself to finish this book due to the frequent use of big words, and I understand that the market for this book is probably on the more educated side so I don't mind it.

My most impactful chapter has to be the first and last one. I think it was a clever start to introduce readers to the difference between modernism, postmodernism, and the hybrid of the two: critical realism. Polkinghorne did so to remind readers to look at theology and quantum physics in a different way of thinking. At the end of the day, these two fundamentally different subjects are in search of truth, and at the end of the book Polkinghorne stated his (in my opinion, quite controversial but very interesting and make a lot of sense if you see it from theological lense) believe that the truth might be the same thing. That maybe The Theory of Everything might be trinitarian theology.

The comparison between Christianity and Quantum Physics throughout the book was sometimes stretching it thin though. I can see the point, but it still is fundamentally different. Sometimes the comparisons are like comparing clouds and pigeons, they're both white and are often seen in the sky but they're still very distinct from each other that one wouldn't classify them together.

But overall the book gave me a lot of insights on the relationships of the two, unveiling a lot of prejudices I had towards both of the subjects. This is an okay book to read lightly if you want an introduction to delve into theology if you come from a more scientific mindset. And as the writer said at the beginning of the book:

“When I read the writings of some of the high-profile scientific proclaimers of atheism, I find a degree of ignorance of the intellectual content of serious biblical study and theological reflection that is not altogether different from the scientific ignorance displayed by those who send out papers with titles such as 'Einstein was wrong'. If scientists are to reject religious belief, they should do so with their eyes open and after a proper consideration of the serious intellectual effort that has been exerted in theology over many centuries of careful enquiry.”

So don't stop learning and looking for answers, don't stop just at this book. I admire this man a lot and I might try and read his other books IF I found the motivation to bulldoze through his style of writing.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another short book by Polkinghorne. It is a bit more difficult to read than Quarks, Chaos & Christianity: Questions to Science and Religion because of the philosophical thoughts and terminology, but it is still quite manageable. In this book Polkinghorne draws a parallel between the way scientists and theologians approach their search for knowledge. In point after point he shows that their search for knowledge leads them to similar approaches. Polkinghorne re-enforces my belief that science and theology both involve faith in things that are not proved and require one to accept concepts that are contradicted by our everyday experience because the totality of evidence leads us to believe that those concepts provide the best explanation of the totality of our experiences.

[Aaron Guest · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too slow to finish. Painfully organized like a call and response. Here's what quantum theory says and then the response from orthodoxy. Not a clever or creative way to address a very intriguing connection. I still like the guy-- his interview a few years ago for 'On Being' was astounding. But this book is dull and lacks energy for such two teeming topics such as these.

[James Coats · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing read...thankfully it's short.

[Breqqie]

Difficult to follow. Maybe I'll try again sometime.

[Alex Strasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I am skeptical of anything with “quantum” and “theology” in the same sentence (for the same reason that the author is, per the preface), this book is far from quantum woo garbage. His goal is to point out ways in which quantum mechanics and theology have analogues in each other as forms of rational inquiry, in hopes to get both scientists to take theology more seriously and theologians to take science more seriously. I think he is successful in this overall goal, and he thankfully does not try to use quantum mechanics or superposition as some type of model of Christology or something silly like that.

In chapter 1, he identifies points of comparison between the scientific and theological search for truth, such as 1) moments of enforced radical revision, 2) a period of unresolved confusion, 3) new synthesis and understanding, 4) continued wrestling with unsolved problems, and 5) deeper implications. A very similar approach are taken in chapters 2-4, where he gives 4-5 points of analogy between quantum physics and theology, then presents individual case studies of each point, one in quantum physics and one theology.

I think these extended case studies do bring up genuine points of similarity that are important to the science-religion dialogue, including incremental and radical periods of progress in understanding, dealing with unsolved problems that still remain today (in quantum mechanics, the measurement problem and reconciliation with general relativity, and the problem of evil in theology), and sociological influences on intellectual fashion trends. There are many others that are relevant that he discusses, and some of them seem to be different ways of saying the same exact thing, especially when it comes to theological and doctrinal development in Christology. His discussion of theology includes an extensive defense of Jesus’ deity and the resurrection of Jesus.

He only spends 5 pages tie the resulting general result on the relationship between the “cousins” of science and theology, which could have been expanded greatly. He presents without critique the view that religion facilitated the intellectual matrix that allowed science to develop, and then presents his view that the intelligibility of the world is a manifestation of the divine Word, or logos. This implies religious people should be open to all truths, including scientific ones, and it means scientists should be open to going beyond science to grasp truths at the deepest level of intelligibility, which he thinks will ultimately end in religious belief. While this model seems entirely legitimate, it is not a model that can be extrapolated or directly supported from the case studies presented throughout the book.

He has great insights, himself having had firsthand experience with relevant developments in quantum mechanics. Polkinghorne is fair to point our relevant dissimilarities between the two, including theology being less successful at achieving understanding. However, on this I think he concedes too much. For example, he references apophatic (negative) theology, which goes too far in the direction of theological unknowability, and he thinks theologians are still in a period of unresolved confusion even after the ecumenical councils, like quantum mechanics was between 1900 and 1925. In the end, while I think the book can offer a great corrective to a naïve and problematic scientific triumphalism, he is unclear as to the exact conclusion that should follow from these broad points of similarity, particularly in the epistemic consequences (which is at the forefront of the science-religion dialogue).

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a fun read. It’s the first of Polkinghorne’s I’ve ever read, so I’m still getting used to his style. But, fortunately, for such a smart guy, he writes in a pretty straight-forward way. The scientific concepts he engages, though, can get pretty deep. And he slides into them so easily one can start to drown without realizing he or she is in slightly above their head.

In general the book argues that science and theology share a common pursuit of truth, specifically concerning reality. In that what both pursue is essentially the same (albeit both traverse much different paths), there have arisen a few similarities in their individual endeavors. These are what the bulk of his book explores. Every chapter introduces a main theme and then he has more specific concepts undergirding this main theme, each concept being accompanied by examples from both scientific and theological development.

The primary scientific development he has in view are those developments in the last century or two concerning the advent of quantum physics. As a theologian who also loves science, this was a great book for me because he helped provide a little transition from surface level concepts of quantum theory to deeper explanations, and his pairing of the development of these with theological developments really put it into a context I could connect pretty easily with.

The fun twist at the end was the concluding assertion that a true Theory of Everything is trinitarian theology. He builds a foundation for this throughout, but most blatantly in the fourth chapter. In the end, there are some interesting implications for the intersection of theology and science. The best part of this, in my mind, is how he upholds the integrity of the search for truth in both fields – both are needed and both have something significant to contribute. And they each need one another.

In the end, is this book for you? I would say that this book is for those who are interested in diving into the intersection of science and theology. But you have to be willing to wade into some deep scientific concepts—the journey is worth it, and he does his best to make it accessible. I found it a mostly easy read, the concepts being rich, but his explanations were fairly straight-forward. I think some pastors would find some interesting illustrations in the book, and many youth pastors will find some great ways to discuss science with the youth they are discipling. In those cases, it could really help those who are struggling navigating an anti-religious bias in their cultural context (whether high school or college).

[Antonio Isaias Perez Jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not some sort of attempt to demonstrate that Quantum Physics "proves" the existence of God, or any kind of flashy pseudoscientific sophistry.
As Polkinghorne stated off the bat:

I was tempted first to go for ‘Quantum Theology’. However, I rejected that idea because the choice of such a title might have given the disagreeable appearance of trying to appeal to a style of discourse that one might call quantum hype—the invocation of the peculiar character of quantum thinking as if that were sufficient licence for lazy indulgence in playing with paradox in other disciplines. It is certainly true that quantum theory serves as an illustration of the fact that reality often turns out to be stranger than we could have thought. Its example warns us against the error of trying to make commonsense expectation the measure of all things. Yet the strangenesses encountered at different levels of reality have characters that are idiosyncratic to those levels, and no facile kind of direct transfer is possible between physics and theology.


Rather the purpose of Polkinghorne here is to clear up a lot of the buzz around the "Science vs. Religion" debate.
To him, there shouldn't need to be a conflict between the two, and that in fact both science and theology have very similar approaches when it comes the pursuit of truth. And so he gives specific examples from his own experience as both a physicist and a theologian. The fact that science has one object of study, and theology another does not mean there is fundamental conflict between the two and that in many ways they complement each other in a very profound way.
It is because I believe in an intelligent creator that a I believe the universe is intelligible.

[Dan Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, a theoretical physicist and ordained Anglican priest and theologian, argues that quantum physics and trinitarian theology (and the theology of the incarnation) have a counsinly relationship - the respective fields of study proceed in a similar way and they require a similar imaginative-combined-with-experiential/evidential process to attempt to grasp the subject matter which is their respective field of reflection. Polkinghorne is likely one of the very few people who could have written a book like this, and he makes it quite accessible to the lay reader, whether approaching with sympathies that lay closer to physics or theology (the last chapter nods to the fact that much of what he recognizes in the relationship between physics and theology could also be said for biology and theology). Polkinghorne proceeds by laying aspects of quantum physics and trinitarian theology beside each other to show aspects of their analogous nature, a notable example being the nature of light as both wave and particle and the person of Christ being both fully divine and fully human. Polkinghorne concludes by stating his belief that theoretical physics' search for a GUT (Grand Unified Theory) is attainable if one's operating presupposition is that trinitarian theology is the theory of everything. While he touches on high level descriptions of some concepts in both quantum physics and Christology/trinitarian theology, this is not a book of explanations of either, as Polkinghorne admits. I am much more familiar with trinitarian theology than I am with theoretical physics so I found his book, "Quantum Theory: A Very Short Introduction" to be helpful, and more helpful the more times I struggle through it.

[Chandler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very unique work. Polkinghorne, a theologian and physicist, as well as the recipient of the Templeton Prize, employs a critical realist approach for assessing epistemological affinities between the theological task and the science of quantum physics. For Polkinghorne, both of these disciplines are marked by conceptual similarities of theoretical development, indefiniteness, and the need for revision at times. Polkinghorne also explores specific aspects of theological inquiry and quantum physics. Polkinghorne particularly loves to appeal to Trinitarian and Christological developments throughout church history and compare the church’s struggle to articulate the Triune nature of God with the growth in clarity about the nature of reality throughout the history of science. A particular highlight of the book was Polkinghorne’s discussion on indefiniteness in quantum physics in theology by comparing unresolved quantum problems with the unresolved issue of the problem of evil. Polkinghorne also demonstrates a great understanding of patristic and modern developments in Trinitarian theology and Christology. There were some theological points here and there where I differed with Polkinghorne, and there were also points where I found the book’s structure, or Polkinghorne’s flow of argument unclear. Still, this is a much needed book in the contemporary faith/science dialogue.

“In consequence, I believe that ultimately the cousinly relationships that we have investigated in this book find their most profound understanding in terms of that true Theory of Everything which is trinitarian theology.”

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Polkinghorne (who was both an academic physicist specializing in quantum theory and an Anglican priest) makes a compelling case that the two disciplines -- quantum physics and theology -- have much in common. The point is that they are engaged in the same exercise (determining truth), that the processes followed similar patterns (e.g., period of unresolved confusion, then new synthesis and understanding, then ...), that they try to solve their problems the same basic ways (e.g., the role of theory and creativity, the role of empirics), and so forth. I'm not entirely persuaded that this claim is special to "quantum physics" and "theology" rather than generalizable to any long intellectual exercise aimed at discovering truth. Some of my own academic research seems to follow the patterns and models he describes.

But there are a lot of nuggets in this slim volume, making it absolutely worth the read. The comparison between how physicists worked through wave/particle duality and how early theologians worked through the human/divine nature of Christ, to give one example, was quite engrossing. There were a lot of passages like this tucked into a bare 110 pages that took, maybe, four hours to read.

[Ganapathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must disclose that I do not believe in religion. But I went in the book with an open mind, eager to learn a different prospective. But I ended up disappointed with author's comparison between objective scientific findings and his subjective interpretation of, say, various versions of Gospels. Clichéd thought: Science does not accept things because a thousand people say the same thing. It accepts things when it can be empirically proven and replicated.

The author believes in resurrection because many people provide a more-or-less similar account. The author draws parallels between evolution and gospel, seemingly forgetting this annoying little thing called evidence. The book is filled with unreasonable comparisons like this. Three things that I liked in this book are (1) the authors unbiased citation of scientific findings, (2) a view that science and theology search for the truth but the path to that truth reside in different dimensions, and (3) the book is short, and I do thank God for that.

In my view, it would have been great if author just expressed his way of finding truth through gospels instead of proving a kinship between science and theology. Quantum Physics and Theology: Not an unexpected kinship, rather a forced one by the author.

[Stewart Lindstrom · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief, accessible work written by a quantum physicist-cum-Anglican theologian about the notable kinship between the 20th-century developments in theoretical physics and orthodox trinitarian theology. Our universe has long departed from the Newtonian mechanistic model of the 18th century. Contrary to Leibniz's nature ruled by mechanism, the 20th-century developments in quantum field theory and general field theory reveal uncertainty and paradox as the fundamental substrates of Being. (Superstring theory tries awkwardly to synthesize these two.) Trinitarian theology, Polkinghorne argues, in its emphasis on unresolved relationality, resembles wave/particle duality as synthesized by Einstein. Trinitarian theology may have been closer to a Grand Unified Theory of everything than Newton could ever have imagined.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this book, along with several other of Dr. Polkinghorne's works, to use as part of a Bible study on the relationship between science and religion. This work made several good points regarding the relationship between the two, but for my personal use was limited in the scope of what I was hoping to find as it limited the theological aspect to an exploration of Christology. I did appreciate the depth with which the author delved into various aspects of the development of quantum physics and Christology and also how the process of scientific work and theological work often mirrored each other. The last (and too brief) chapter was helpful in what I was looking for for the study I'm leading, I wish this had been longer!

[Patrick Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the title frighten you. You don't need to understand quantum physics and you don't need to have studied theology to enjoy and appreciate this book. Having training or interest in the sciences or theology will enhance your appreciation, but it's not essential.

I read this book as a part of a group reading and discussion project hosted by Andy Walsh on the Emerging Scholars Network (http://blog.emergingscholars.org/tag/...) during September and October 2017. He discussed one chapter each week. There were on-line video chats as well but they were not recorded. His comments will much more valuable to potential readers than any I could add here.

[RainyCraze · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are into theology or science, I highly recommend this comparison & contrasting of the two in this little book. I learned a lot about both!

Polkinghorne writes to an audience who may be familiar with one but not the other, so laypersons can certainly grasp the concepts presented. However, he regularly uses vocabulary such as "verisimilitudinous" & "confabulate"; so if advanced grammar isn't a strong point for you then this may be a longer read than a 110-page book would usually take.

[Colin Michaelis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Polkinghorne is very smart and writes clearly and concisely. A dictionary is handy as he uses a lot of big words. The concepts were not hard, and the central premise, I.e. that the search for truth by both science and theology are remarkably similar in approach and are complementary and certainly not inimical. But I found the arguments a little irrelevant and maybe even thin. Or maybe it would be better to describe the arguments as ones that I am not sure resonate with many people.

[Paul Gibson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid read for anyone who is a confessing Christ follower with an interest in science or whose profession is located within a scientific field. It’s also a solid read for any scientist or science-interested person who is considering the validity of the Christian faith.

[Kenny Lingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant scientist and theologan

Insightful, thought provoking by a respected physicist who has recognized that there is an Author of all laws of physics

[Lancen Davis Harms · Rating 5 out of 5]

a bizarre bridge to build

[Jo Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author understands the bigger picture of God and science.

[Dennis Gunnarson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent review of theology especially as it relates to quantum studies. This was in many ways an exciting book to read.

[Phil Calandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

The author sets out to explain the comparisons between modern quantum physics and the theological understanding of the nature of "God" in their mutual interest in seeking the "truth". For me, the book just missed the mark. The comparisons are nebulous and there seems little that each discipline has in common with the other. Science enjoys the advantage of measurement and experiment in the ability to put matter to the test of scrutiny. This, indeed, is a remarkable human capacity for scientific success and discovery. However, science use of measurement, as its chief tool, offers no solution to the abstract and subjective areas to such questions as, Is there a God,? and, Who are we and why are we here? Theology explores and analyses the development of Christian thinking over the centuries. This represents serious intellectual effort but remains a subjective analysis. In closing, it seems that both science and theology are severely limited in their "truth" seeking capacities in that only partial truths can be garnered from their investigations. We often look to the mystic for our answers but without our own "Experience", the answer to these important questions remain forever elusive.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polkinghorne's theories have been instrumental in moving my own atheism into a new journey that brings both theology and science together with a partnership that I can no longer separate. This book and his theories are so unique and sensical, they beg consideration from even the most hardened skeptic. Polkinghorne is one of the most influential authors among a collage of others who make the reader step back with eyes wide open. It is this kind of a read that puts intelligence back into the reputation of theology. In a world so bent on branding believers as ignorant fools, Polkinghorne rescues that image and replaces it with a sort of respect long overdue. He is a retired quantum physicist who turned his life toward God; one of many more than most would realize.

[Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polkinghorne traces the correlation between the development of quantum theory in physics and the development of Christological thought in theology. He leaves a lot of room for further investigation as to the actual nature of the quantum theory, but he treats the development of the theological implications of Jesus fairly thoroughly. The book is less than 150 pages, so "thoroughly" might be a touch misleading. It's a very enjoyable book, if you have the requisite taste for physics and theology. I found it enlightening and a nice, compact review of the ideas of 20th century physics and the theological development of the early Church. Recommended.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little did I know when I started this book that a Higgs boson announcement was around the corner. This is a short book, but not an easy read. My limited knowledge in the area of quantum physics had me treading water and gasping for air at times. Still, it was an interesting read and the parallels Polkinghorne draws between science and theological study are insightful. Just what you would expect from someone who was a noted physicist involved in the discovery of quarks, then changed careers mid-llfe to become a noted theologian.