Synopses & Reviews
Just as gendered, cultural, and geographical perspectives have illuminated and advanced theological thought, the contributions of twentieth-century science have much to offer theology. In his latest book, physicist-theologian John Polkinghorne, renowned as one of the worlds foremost thinkers on science and religion, offers a lucid argument for developing the intersection of the two fields as another form of contextual theology.
Countering recent assertions by new atheists” that religious belief is irrational and even dangerous, Polkinghorne explores ways that theology can be open to and informed by science. He describes recent scientific discourse on such subjects as epistemology, objectivity, uncertainty, and rationality and considers the religious importance of the evolution in these areas of scientific thought. Then, evaluating such topics as relativity, space and time, and evolutionary theory, he uses a scientific style of inquiry as a foundation on which to build a model of Christian belief structure. Science and theology share in the great human quest for truth and understanding, says Polkinghorne, and he illustrates how their interaction can be fruitful for both.
Review
“A remarkably lucid discussion of some of the key convictions of the Christian faith in the light of current scientific thinking.”Miroslav Volf, Yale Divinity School
-- Andrew Shankman - Journal of the Early Republic
Review
'\"A coherent, accessible text that offers insight into the specific vision of reality John Polkinghorne espouses, a vision informed by theological and scientific insights.\"Nathan J. Hallanger, Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Graduate Theological Union
-- Miroslav Volf'
Review
Praise for John Polkinghorne: “Polkinghorne writes masterfully. He can be accurate without becoming technical, simple without becoming simplistic, orthodox without posturing as a defender of the faith.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review of
Science and the Trinity -- Nathan J. Hallanger
Review
“Polkinghorne explores the underlying truth-seeking connection between science and religion and executes this task with a rare blend of precision and clarity.”Nathan J. Hallanger, The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley -- American String Teacher
Review
'“Polkinghornes life project is to show that science and religion are two rational structures between which there are significant homologies. It is most fascinating in Quantum Physics and Theology to observe him demonstrate this thesis.”Miroslav Volf, Yale Divinity School -- Nathan J. Hallanger'
Review
"An important contribution to theology, successfully showing the role that scientific knowledge must play in theological work."Keith Ward, Oxford University
-- Audra Simpson - Journal of Asian Studies
Review
"Sir John Polkinghornes brief survey should be required reading for anyone engaging the religious implications of contemporary science, regardless of their personal beliefs."--Karl W. Giberson,
Quarterly Review of Biology -- Keith Ward
Review
'“Brisk, funny, and challenging . . . . One of the most fascinating, most original and prickliest works of philosophy to emerge from the post-9/11 era.”Andrew OHehir,
Salon -- Andrew L. Oros - Pacific Affairs'
Review
"There are plenty of things in this book to anger all sorts of people, and few will not find something in it with which to disagree strongly. And thats just fine. This is an exceptional contribution to recent debates around faith, religion, and atheism."Dale B. Martin, Yale University -- Andrew O'Hehir - Salon
Review
"This is sure to ruffle feathers on both sides of the God debate. Eagleton offers his own polemical chronicle of religion and politics from the Holy Spirit to the Twin Towers. Many will, simply, have to read this." The Bookseller -- Dale B. Martin
Review
"Eagleton is that rarity, a non-ideological Marxist with a keen understanding of and sympathy for the human condition, not to mention an informed as well as sharp sense of humor. Serious Christians may be his most appreciative readers."Booklist (starred review) -- The Bookseller
Review
"The book is superb. Provocative. And, its easy to overlook this particular new book among the heaps of mystery novels and other best sellers at bookstores, so grab a copy now."Readthespirit.com -- Booklist
Review
'“[B]etter than any previous book of its kind.”James Wood, The New Yorker -- Readthespirit.com'
Review
'\"Eagletons book is a brisk and welcome contribution to the ongoing discussion about the place of religion in the world today. Readers will find plenty to challenge them in this brief snapshot of todays God Debate.\"-- Blair Dee Hodges,
Association for Mormon Letters -- James Wood - The New Yorker'
Review
“Robinsons arguments [are] so much more interesting, capacious, and informed than most. . . . Robinson makes a strong, unapologetic case, not for mystery but for self-respect.”--Susan Salter Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times
-- The Quarterly Review of Biology
Review
"There is much to admire, and even to agree with, in Robinsons humanist passion. Her defense of the insights to be gained from religion and literature is as convincing as her attacks on the facile generalizations of parascience."--Adam Kirsch, Boston Globe -- Susan Salter Reynolds - Los Angeles Times
Review
"Pulitzer Prize-winner Robinson may be the only living novelist who has made a genuine contribution to philosophical reflection. . . . One of the most thought-stirring inquiries into fundamental questions that has appeared in many years."--John Gray,
Globe & Mail -- Adam Kirsch - Boston Globe
Review
“[Robinson] is one of the best thinkers in American letters. Her new (nonfiction) work is a slashing attack on scientific fundamentalism, not on behalf of religion but of human consciousness and our traditional concept of mind.”--
Macleans
-- John Gray - Globe and Mail
Review
"[Robinson] makes the case with exceptional elegance and authority--the authority not only of one of the unmistakably great novelists of the age but of a clear and logical mind that is wholly intolerant of intellectual cliché. . . . This book has a greater density (and sophistication) of argument than many three times its length; but it is one of the most significant contributions yet to the current quarrels about faith, science and rationality." Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, Daily Telegraph -- Maclean's
Review
"Robinson is one of the greatest Christian thinkers alive today. She is also one of the worlds best novelists. . . .
Absence of Mind is a slim but compelling volume." Luke Coppen,
Catholic Herald -- Rowan Williams - Daily Telegraph
Review
“Marilynne Robinson asks hard questions. She challenges readers with a severe, sophisticated and spellbinding style and a determination to change the conversation about contemporary American culture. . . .
Absence of Mind is important not so much as a brief for religion but as a tenacious and often trenchant critique of modern Western thought.”--Glenn Altschuler,
Minneapolis Star-Tribune
-- Luke Coppen - Catholic Herald
Review
“What Robinson has over both the parascientific writers whose work she rejects and the religion writers with whom she finds common ground is a long career (though few books) as a fiction writer, where she has demonstratedand in her way, provided evidence ofthe very contemplative, subjective lives of the faithful she defends in her new book.”--Scott Korb,
The Revealer
-- Glenn Altschuler - Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Review
"These impassioned pages require and reward very close attention."--Michael Dirda,
Washington Post -- Scott Korb - The Revealer
Review
"[Robinson reveals] how deep a debt both science and religion owe to art. . . . It is a rare treat to have a novelist express herself so forcefully, and so eloquently, in another medium."--Ingrid Rowland,
American Scholar -- Michael Dirda - Washington Post
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"The scope of Robinsons erudition is stunning, and she shares it with generosity and no dissembling."--Linda McCullough Moore,
Books & Culture -- Ingrid Rowland - American Scholar
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"Marked by a luminous intelligence and a rather attractive intellectual severity. . . . One really must read it to appreciate how powerful a counterinsurgency it mounts against many of the peculiar superstitions of our age."--David B. Hart, Big Questions Online
-- Linda McCullough Moore - Books and Culture
Review
"Robinson applies her astute intellect to . . . science, religion and consciousness. Crafted with the same care and insight as her award-winning novels, the book challenges postmodern atheists who crusade against religion under the banner of science."--
Washington Times -- David B. Hart - Big Questions Online
Review
"Following the inward-looking path of her award-winning fiction, Marilynne Robinsons
Absence of Mind is a finely wrought treatise in favour of religious belief."--Chris Lehmann,
The National -- Washington Times
Review
"This is a wonderful little book, full of wisdom, warmth and wit. . . . [Robinson] is able to apply her astute intellect, delicious sense of humour, incisive insight into human nature and down-to-earth philosophy of life." Mark Patrick Hederman,
Irish Times -- Chris Lehmann - The National
Review
"Im enjoying arguing and agreeing with Marilynne Robinsons
Absence of Mind." Zadie Smith,
The Observer -- Mark Patrick Hederman - IrishTimes
Review
"Robinsons argument is prophetic, profound, eloquent, succinct, powerful and timely." Karen Armstrong,
The Guardian -- Zadie Smith - The Observer
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"I have barely scratched the surface of this dense and yet endlessly entertaining little book. Marilynne Robinson is herself the best evidence of her own thesis--the exceptional mystery of the human mind." Bryan Appleyard,
Literary Review -- Karen Armstrong - The Guardian
Review
"I enjoyed reading
Absence of Mind. The reason: it is always a pleasure to keep company with a person who takes ideas seriously." Siri Hustvedt,
Financial Times -- Bryan Appleyard - Literary Review
Review
"It is worth admiring Robinsons bravery and intellectual independence, and noting the sheer force and capacity of language like hers to persuade." Geordie Williamson,
The Australian -- Siri Hustvedt - Financial Times
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"A book of dense philosophy from a brilliant novelist with a poets ear. It is stunning. It places Robinson among the very brightest of Christian historys thinkers and writers. . . . I cannot praise it too highly."--Kurt Armstrong,
Christian Week -- Geordie Williamson - The Australian
Review
“This deeply informed essay affirms mystery, imagination and wonder against the 19th-century remnants of positivism still delimiting the human in the name of a reduced and reductive science.”
–
San Francisco Chronicle -- Kurt Armstrong - Christian Week
Review
Named a Best Book of 2010--
Globe & Mail, "2010 Globe 100"
-- San Francisco Chronicle
Review
"[A]n excellent introduction for serious individuals seeking a better understanding of these matters."—S.C. Pearson, Choice S.C. Pearson
Review
"[A]n excellent introduction."—Choice
Review
"Polkinghorne is the unquestioned leader in the growing field of science and religion, and by a considerable margin, is its most intellectually credible thinker…Volumes like his from respected academic presses are increasingly important as the rhetoric of the New Atheists grows steadily louder and more confident with no associated increase in the intellectual sophistication of their arguments."—Karl Giberson, co-author of The Anointed: Evangelical Truth in a Secular Age
Review
"I found this survey of science and theology to be readable, scholarly, well-organized, and insightful as always…this is a fine introductory survey that will be helpful to a wide variety of readers."—John Haught, author of Making Sense of Evolution: Darwin, God, and the Drama of Life
Synopsis
Most often, the dialogue between religion and science is initiated by the discoveries of modern sciencebig bang cosmology, evolution, or quantum theory, for example. In this book, scientist-theologian John Polkinghorne changes the discussion. He approaches the dialogue from a little-explored perspective in which theology shapes the argument and sets the agenda of questions to be considered.
The author begins with a review of approaches to science and religion in which the classification focuses on theological content rather than on methodological technique. He then proceeds with chapters discussing the role of Scripture, a theology of nature, the doctrine of God, sacramental theology, and eschatology. Throughout, Polkinghorne takes the perspective of Trinitarian thinking while arguing in a style that reflects the influence of his career as a theoretical physicist. In the final chapter, the author defends the appropriateness of addressing issues of science and religion from the specific standpoint of his Christian belief. His book provides an important model for theologians and scientists alike, showing how their two fields can inform one another in significant ways.
Synopsis
The latest communiqué from John Polkinghorne as he continues his survey of the frontier between science and religion
Synopsis
Reality is multi-layered, asserts the Reverend John Polkinghorne, and in this insightful book he explores various dimensions of the human encounter with reality. Through a well-reasoned and logical process, Polkinghorne argues that reality consists not only of the scientific processes of the natural world but also the personal dimension of human nature and its significance. He offers an integrated view of reality, encompassing a range of insights deriving from physics account of causal structure, evolutionary understanding of human nature, the unique significance of Jesus of Nazareth, and the human encounter with God.
The author devotes further chapters to specific problems and questions raised by the Christian account of divine reality. He discusses, for example, the nature of time and Gods relation to it, the interrelationship of the worlds faiths, the problem of evil, and practical ethical issues relating to genetic advances, including stem cell research. Continuing in his pursuit of a dialogue between science and theology that accords equal weight to the insights of each, Polkinghorne expands our understanding of the nature of reality and our appreciation of its complexity.
Synopsis
Despite the differences of their subject matter, science and theology have a cousinly relationship, John Polkinghornecontends 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 theology shows with new clarity a common kinship in the search for truth.
The author identifies and explores key similarities in quantum physics and Christology. 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.
Synopsis
Terry Eagletons witty and polemical Reason, Faith, and Revolution is bound to cause a stir among scientists, theologians, people of faith and people of no faith, as well as general readers eager to understand the God Debate. On the one hand, Eagleton demolishes what he calls the “superstitious” view of God held by most atheists and agnostics and offers in its place a revolutionary account of the Christian Gospel. On the other hand, he launches a stinging assault on the betrayal of this revolution by institutional Christianity.
There is little joy here, then, either for the anti-God brigadeRichard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens in particularnor for many conventional believers. Instead, Eagleton offers his own vibrant account of religion and politics in a book that ranges from the Holy Spirit to the recent history of the Middle East, from Thomas Aquinas to the Twin Towers.
Synopsis
In this ambitious book, acclaimed writer Marilynne Robinson applies her astute intellect to some of the most vexing topics in the history of human thoughtscience, religion, and consciousness. Crafted with the same care and insight as her award-winning novels,
Absence of Mind challenges postmodern atheists who crusade against religion under the banner of science. In Robinsons view, scientific reasoning does not denote a sense of logical infallibility, as thinkers like Richard Dawkins might suggest. Instead, in its purest form, science represents a search for answers. It engages the problem of knowledge, an aspect of the mystery of consciousness, rather than providing a simple and final model of reality.
By defending the importance of individual reflection, Robinson celebrates the power and variety of human consciousness in the tradition of William James. She explores the nature of subjectivity and considers the culture in which Sigmund Freud was situated and its influence on his model of self and civilization. Through keen interpretations of language, emotion, science, and poetry, Absence of Mind restores human consciousness to its central place in the religion-science debate.
Synopsis
From the vantage point of eighty years, a highly regarded scientist and theologian surveys the full spectrum of critical issues between science and theology
Synopsis
John Polkinghorne, an international figure known both for his contributions to the field of theoretical elementary particle physics and for his work as a theologian, has over the years filled a bookshelf with writings devoted to specific topics in science and religion. In this new book, he undertakes for the first time a survey of all the major issues at the intersection of science and religion, concentrating on what he considers the essential insights for each. Clearly and without assuming prior knowledge, he addresses causality, cosmology, evolution, consciousness, natural theology, divine providence, revelation, and scripture. Each chapter also provides references to his other books in which more detailed treatments of specific issues can be found.
For those who are new to what Polkinghorne calls "one of the most significant interdisciplinary interactions of our time," this volume serves as an excellent introduction. For readers already familiar with John Polkinghorne's books, this latest is a welcome reminder of the breadth of his thought and the subtlety of his approach in the quest for truthful understanding.
About the Author
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 the following published by Yale University Press:
Exploring Reality: The Intertwining of Science and Religion; Science and the Trinity: The Christian Encounter with Reality; The God of Hope and the End of the World; and
Belief in God in an Age of Science.