One World
Details and Description
Description
John C. Polkinghorne's renowned trilogy on the compatibility of religion and science is back in print. One World (originally published in 1986) introduces issues in science and religion that Dr. Polkinghorne subsequently continued in Science and Providence and Science and Creation. The books have been widely acclaimed individually and as a series.
In the new preface to One World, Dr. Polkinghorne assesses his original writing of this book, pointing to themes that have remained important to his thinking and topics that have been expanded and modified through recent scientific discoveries. In fact, he contends, in today's postmodern culture "the issue of what we can know and how we can gain knowledge is one of even greater criticality than it was in 1986."
Both science and religion explore aspects of reality, providing "a basis for their mutual interaction as they present their different perspectives onto the one world of existent reality," Polkinghorne argues. In One World he develops his thesis through an examination of the nature of science, the nature of the physical world, the character of theology, and the modes of thought in science and theology. He identifies "points of interaction" and points of potential conflict between science and religion. Along the way, he discusses creation, determinism, prayer, miracles, and future life, and he explains his rejection of scientific reductionism and his defense of natural theology.
Science does not have an absolute superiority over other forms of knowledge, nor does religion have all the answers. Both are searching for "the truth." Both explore the universe as it is and submit to the evidence before them. And both must be open to continual correction. We live in one world. Polkinghorne's insights continue to illuminate it as a world in which science and religion can stimulate and benefit each other.
"Why do I regard this book as so important? Primarily because it makes sense of the scientific enterprise and the pursuit of theology, and in doing so it makes sense of the universe. . . . For arguing this so persuasively and with clarity and caution we owe him grateful thanks." —The Expository Times
Table of Contents
Preface to the 2007 Edition / ix
Preface / xv
1. The Post-Enlightenment World / 3
2. The Nature of Science / 9
3. The Nature of Theology / 32
4. The Nature of the Physical World / 52
5. Points of Interaction / 74
6. Levels of Description / 102
7. One World / 115
Notes / 117
Glossary / 123
Index / 129
Endorsements and Reviews
Reviews
Catholic Books Review
One World is a very satisfying treatment of the fundamental issues affecting a fruitful interaction between two disciplines often presumed at odds.
One World quite successfully achieves the aims Polkinghorne sets for it as the inaugural text in the trilogy mentioned at the outset. Particularly suited for the newcomer to the dialogue between theology and science, it skillfully lays the groundwork for the conversation in ways that are both understandable to the initiate and proper to the complexity of the enterprise. Because of its foundational nature, One World does not develop its reflections on some of the thornier issues that the latter two books in the series engage. This is most obvious in its dealing with the question of God-world interaction, providence and miracles, and the question of suffering in the cosmos. Nevertheless, as an introduction, it is a fine accomplishment and recommended for use with the novice in the dialogue, as well as with undergraduate students in religious studies or theology. —Reviewed by Gloria L. Schaab,Barry University, Miami Shores, FL 33161
Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith—Vol. 59, No. 4
This book should be added to the libraries of schools that offer a major program in religious studies. The bibliography alone makes it an essential purchase. The unique subject matter does the same. I highly recommend it. —Winifred flint, Academic Librarian.
Translations
Asian-English
Japanese
Polish