In this thought-provoking new book, John Polkinghorne contends that despite their different schemas and working methods, theologians and scientists share a common goal – the search for truth. From his unique perspective, and based on his extensive and highly regarded work as both a scientist and a priest, he asks fundamental questions about both disciplines and considers what theology can learn from science. He proposes that scientific method can be applied to theology, revealing a powerful way to frame theological discourse.

Professor Polkinghorne applies this approach to fundamental themes: contextual theology, the nature of discourse, questions about time, our understanding of personhood, consonance in relation to creation, providence and rationality, motivated belief, eschatology and understanding.

This closely argued yet lucid discussion draws insights from the fruitful interaction between these two important ways of searching for truth, and confirms John Polkinghorne as one of today’s most insightful thinkers.

John Polkinghorne, KBE, FRS, is fellow and retired president, Queens’ College, Cambridge University. He was founding president of the International Society for Science and Religion and, in 2002, was awarded the Templeton Prize. He is the author of many books, including Science and Creation, Exploring Reality: The intertwining of science and religion, Reason and Reality, The God of Hope and the End of the World and Belief in God in an Age of Science. His autobiography, From Physicist to Priest, was published by SPCK in 2007.