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John Charlton Polkinghorne KBE FRS (16 Oct 1930 - Present)

  • John Charlton Polkinghorne Born

    John Charlton Polkinghorne Born
    John Pokinghorne was born in Weston-super-Mare to Dorothy Charlton and George Polkinghorne.
  • Bachelors Earned

    Bachelors Earned
    John Charlton Polkinghorne earned his bachelors degree in Mathematics from Trinity College in Cambridge
  • Master's Degree Earned

    John Charlton Polkinghorne earned his Master's Degree in Quantum Field Theory from Trinity College in Cambridge
  • Doctorate Earned

    John Charlton Polkinghorne earned his Doctorate in Quantum Field Theory from Trinity College in Cambridge
  • Second Doctorate Achieved

    Polkinghorne received his second doctorate in Elementary Particle Physics from Trinity College
  • Selection as a Fellow of the Royal Society

    Polkinghorne was recognized for his creation of mathematical models to calculate the paths of quantum particles by receiving a fellowship in the Royal Society, the oldest national scientific society in the world.
  • Period: to

    Working to bridge religion and science

    Since leaving his post at Cambridge to pursue theological studies, Polkinghorne has sought to prove a connection between science, specifically quantum theories, and theology. Through published works, the founding of the Society of Ordained Scientists and the International Society for Science and Religion, and lectures Polkinghorne has continued to preach how religion and science work to complement each other, filling in gaps in each others works, as opposed to working against each other.
  • Ordained as Priest

    Ordained as Priest
    After leaving his position at Cambridge, Polkinghorne began theological studies at Westcott House in Cambridge and was ordained as a priest.
    Stating that he was not disillusioned by science, but rather sought a broader truth provided by science, Polkinghorne has devoted his life to seeking their common grounds. https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/1998/05/08/may-08-1998-sir-john-polkinghorne-on-science-and-theology/15143/
  • Published "The Way the World Is"

    Published "The Way the World Is"
    The first of his works tying science and religion together, Polkinghorne published his book The Way the World Is, in which he details how a thinking person can be a Christian.
  • Founded Society of Ordained Scientists

    Polkinghorne helped found the Society of Ordained Scientists, an order of the Anglican Communion.
  • Published The Faith of a Physicist: Reflections of a Bottom-Up Thinker

  • Knighthood

    John Charlton Polkinghorne was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his distinguished service to science, religion, learning and medical ethics.
  • Published Faith, Science and Understanding

  • Published The God of Hope and the End of the World

  • Published Science and the Trinity: The Christian Encounter with Reality

  • Published Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship

  • Work Cited

    Turner, Darrell J. “John Polkinghorne.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/John-Polkinghorne. “May 8, 1998 ~ Sir John Polkinghorne on Science and Theology.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 29 Jan. 2015, www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/1998/05/08/may-08-1998-sir-john-polkinghorne-on-science-and-theology/15143/.