Science and Providence
Details and Description
Description
Internationally renowned priest-scientist Dr. John C. Polkinghorne examines whether a personal, interacting God is a credible concept in today's scientific age. Encouraging the belief that there is a compatibility between the insights of science and the insights of religion, this book, previously published in the United Kingdom, focuses on the viewpoint that the world is one in which both human beings and God have the freedom to act.
A modern understanding of the physical world is applied to questions of prayer and providence, such as: Do miracles happen? Can prayer change anything? Why does evil exist? Why does God allow suffering? Why does God need us to ask him?
God's involvement in time is considered, from both a temporal and an eternal perspective. The roles of incarnation and sacrament are discussed in terms of whether or not they have a credible place in today's worldview. And the Final Anthropic Principle (FAP) is presented, with its attempt at a physical eschatology, showing it to be an inadequate basis for hope. Real hope can reside only with God, Polkinghorne concludes.
Table of Contents
Preface / ix
Acknowledgments / xv
Introduction / 3
1. The Problem / 7
2. Embodiment and Action / 23
3. Providence / 43
4. Miracle / 53
5. Evil / 69
6. Prayer / 80
7. Time / 88
8. Incarnation and Sacrament / 97
9. Hope / 108
Notes / 113
Bibliography / 123
Index / 127
Endorsements and Reviews
Reviews
Catholic Books Review
Like his other efforts, Science and Providence is an eminently readable work profiting both the initiate and seasoned in their search for points of contact between the two disciplines.
Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith—Vol. 58, No. 2
Re-reading Science and Providence is like strolling down a memory lane with an old friend, remembering gems of the past and rediscovering themes as important now as they were in the past. Templeton Press has re-issued a classic resource and performed a valuable service for the science and religion community.
Theological Book Review—Vol. 22, No. 1
An interesting and thought provoking book. —Gaven Kerr
The Midwest Book Review
Science And Providence: God’s Interaction With the World, written by internationally renowned Anglican priest and former professor of mathematical physics at Cambridge University. John C. Polkinghorne, examines whether a personal, interacting God is a credible concept in today’s secular, scientific age. Father Polkinghorne also considers some of the perplexities and complications regarding such issues as Miracles, Evil, and Prayer. Science And Providence is most especially recommended reading for academicians, scientists, clergy, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in science and religion.
Translations
Asian-English
Polish