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John Polkinghorne
Polkinghorne was born in Weston-super-Mare on 16 October 1930 to Dorothy Charlton, the daughter of a groom and George Polkinghorne, who worked for the post office. John was the couple's third child. There was a brother, Peter, and a sister, Ann, who died when she was six, one month before John's birth. Peter died in 1942 while flying for the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Polkinghorne#Early_life_and_education -
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Education and Career
John earned multiple degree's including a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1952, as well as a master's in mathematics in 1955, and a doctorate in quantum field theory from Trinity College Cambridge in 1956. He was also appointed lecturer in mathematical physics at the University of Edinburgh in 1956. He then took the same position at Cambridge, and t2o years later in 1968 was elevated to professor of mathematical physics. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Polkinghorne -
Received additional doctorate
Polkinghorne received and additional doctorate in theoretical elementary particle physics from Trinity College. His creation of mathematical models to calculate the paths of quantum particles was recognized that year with his selection as a fellow of the Royal Society then 5 years later Polkinghorne concluded that his research had come to an end. He then began theological studies at Westcott House in Cambridge. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Polkinghorne -
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Career Change
In 1979 Polkinghorne decided to make a career change when he decided to enter the ordained ministry of the Church of England. He was ordained in 1982 and assigned to a parish in South Bristol. He became vicar of a parish in Blean in 1984 and two years later was appointed fellow, dean, and chaplain of Trinity Hall Cambridge. In 1989 he was appointed president of Queens' College, Cambridge. Then he retired in 1996. https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Polkinghorne/ -
First of many books
in 1983 John Wrote his first book on Science and Religion and was titled (The Way The World Is) Below is a list of books that he did throughout his life https://www.templetonprize.org/laureate-sub/polkinghorne-books/ -
Ordained Scientist Society
In 1986, Polkinghorne helped found the Society of Ordained Scientists. This society is active today, and has members around the world. The Society of Ordained Scientists hold a mission to reach out to the public on faith and science. https://ordsci.org/ -
Book : Science and Providence: God's Interaction With the World
John framed the concept of divine action in a way that could be talked by physicists. He stated "I started with the statement that I believe that God acts i the world, but he is not a show-off conjurer who violates the same laws of nature that he made". "My question was, Is there a way of describing God's actions that is consistent with science?"
John wrote this book due to his Cambridge colleague Stephen Hawking addressed the issue of him leaving with his book called A Brief History in Time. -
Knighted
Polkinghorne was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for distinguished service to science, religion, learning and medical ethics. He also became the commander of the Order of the British Empire(KBE). https://www.closertotruth.com/contributor/john-polkinghorne/profile -
Templeton Prize
Polkinghorne received the Templeton Prize in recognition of his modern and compelling treatment of theology as a complement to natural science, which when viewed together offer what he called a "binocular" vision of the truth. https://www.templeton.org/news/in-memoriam-john-c-polkinghorne-1930-2021 -
International Society for Science and Religion
John was asked by Sir John Templeton to be the Founding President of the International Society for Science and Religion, which held its meeting in Granada in 2002. This society is still active today. https://www.issr.org.uk/blog/john-polkinghorne-1930-2021/ -
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Remembering John Polkinghorne
Interview discussing John Polkinghorne's life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-wy3VQ0szI
