John C. Polkinghorne: Bottom-Up Theology and Science

What is it about?

John C. Polkinghorne (October 16, 1930- ), a theoretical physicist and Anglican priest has urged the interplay and unity of theology and science. He points out the similarities of the "bottom-up" methods (moving from observation to conclusion) that science and theology can use for "motivated belief." He was Professor of Mathematical Physics at Cambridge and, after ordination and parish ministry, Fellow, Dean, and Chaplain of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and then President of Queen's College, Cambridge. He urges that science and theology are complementary, not competitive. This essay presents Polkinghorne's perspectives on the interplay of theology and science in the context of his writings with attention to "bottom-up" approaches that begin with experience and move to understanding and provide the basis for general principles and theories.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Polkinghorne offers the story of quantum theory as a scientific example of a case where patience was required in the face of a theoretically inexplicable phenomenon. Between 1900 and 1925 physicists knew that light exhibited wave-like properties with one set of experiments and particle-like properties with a different set of experiments. At the time this was inexplicable. Polkinghorne states that physicists at that time had to "hold on" in the face of the unknown without abandoning any part of their experience. Their findings were eventually explained by quantum theory which brought a new way of thinking in physics. Polkinghorne draws out parallels between the resolution of the wave/particle duality by quantum theory and the development of christology in the early church. As the physicists had to hold on to seemingly contradictory experiences of light as particles and light waves, the early Christians also faced seemingly contradictory experiences of Jesus. Polkinghorne points out the tension between human and divine language about Jesus in the New Testament was unresolved. Christological doctrine would develop later, with room for continuing development in the future through an interplay of thinking "from below" and "from above," seeking the coherence of experience and concepts, the consonance of theological doctrine or theory with revelation and the experience of the church.