Over the last few years I have had the privilege of reading and meeting several leading scholars of science and theology who are also outstanding individuals. It is often commented that the times of polymaths are long gone, not least due to the incredible advances made in almost all areas of inquiry, from sciences to engineering to history. There is certainly at least some truth in that opinion, however there are scholars who combine and excel in two or more areas and by doing so bring forth fresh insights not otherwise available from those who only specialise in one discipline. When these disciplines are science and theology I think their achievements are of particular importance.
I believe we are fast approaching the situation when it will be imperative to take interdisciplinary approach in almost every discipline to achieve further breakthroughs and advance human understanding – even more so in theology and the sciences. I’d like to introduce just two of these exceptional scholars and would urge you to read their works: Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne KBE FRS and Rev. Dr. Rodney Holder FIMA FRAS. I think the best way to introduce them is to recommend some of their recent works:
Quantum Theory: A Very Short Introduction by John Polkinghorne
Science and Religion in Quest of Truth by John Polkinghorne
Reason and Reality: The Relationship Between Science and Theology by John Polkinghorne
Big Bang, Big God: A Universe Designed For Life? by Rodney Holder
The Heavens Declare: Natural Theology and the Legacy of Karl Barth by Rodney Holder
Religious traditions are often portrayed by atheist authors as antithetical to science, which is simply a misinformed view (as James Hannam so well illustrates). The lives and works of these scientist-theologians further demonstrate not only compatibility but also the richness of scientific and religious understanding combined.
Edgar is studying for a Bachelor of Divinity with the University of London International Programmes, with academic direction from Heythrop College.
