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Birth
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Bachelor's in Mathematics
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Earned Master's Degree
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Earned Doctorate in quantum field theory
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Second Doctorate in theoretical elementary particle physics
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Mathematical Models
His creation of mathematical models to calculate the paths of quantum particles. These models eventually lead to the discovery of quarks. He was recognized for this with his selection as a fellow of the Royal Society. -
Ordained
After concluding his research in 1979, to the surprise of many colleagues, he resigned his post and began theological studies at Westcott House in Cambridge (Turner, 2020) and was ordained in 1982. -
Publication of The Way the World Is
"It arose out of many conversations I had with friends in the international intellectual village of theoretical particle physics, when it was known that I was leaving but I was still in the course of winding up my academic affairs. It was an attempt to say more about what motivated my Christian belief than was possible in half an hour over a cup of coffee in a laboratory canteen" (Polkinghorne).
This is the first of many in which he discusses the relationship between science and religion. -
Appointment at Trinity Hall, Cambridge
Appointed fellow, dean, and chaplain of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. -
Society of Ordained Scientists
Assisted in founding the Society of Ordained Scientists. For Polkinghorne, the philosophy of critical realism applies to theology as well as to science. Whereas in science he believes that what we know from nature is a trustworthy guide to what really is, in theology he believes that what we know from God’s revelatory acts is a trustworthy guide to God’s real nature (Delong, 2013).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-RBaGLtjEc
Image retrieved from: https://ordsci.org/constitution/ -
Queens' College, Cambridge
Appointed president of Queens’ College, Cambridge -
Retirement
After retirement John Polkinghorne continued to write books that explored the relationship between religion and science. Those books include: From Physicist to Priest, Questions of Truth, Science and Trinity, Testing Scripture, Beyond Science, and Scientists as Theologians (published the same year he retired).
Image retrieved from google search -
Knighted
Polkinghorne was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for distinguished service to science, religion, learning, and medical ethics -
Received the Templeton Prize
Templeton Prize for Progress Toward Research or Discoveries About Spiritual Realities. -
Passed Away
"...in a physicist who became a priest, we saw a world-leading and creative thinker, who embodied an engagement of science with theology characterised by faithfulness, fruitfulness, and humble service."(Obituary https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2021/26-march/gazette/obituaries/obituary-the-revd-professor-john-polkinghorne)
