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John Charlton Polkinghorne was a Cornish theoretical physicist, theologian, and Anglican priest. A prominent and leading voice explaining the relationship between science and religion, he was professor of mathematical physics at the University of Cambridge from 1968 to 1979, when he resigned his chair to study for the priesthood, becoming an ordained Anglican priest in 1982. He served as the presi…
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science · English physicist and priest (1930–2021) · physicist · theoretical physicist · Anglican priest · theologian · priest · also John Polkinghorne, John C. Polkinghorne, J. C. Polkinghorne, Polkinghorne
Born 16 October 1930 · Died 9 March 2021 · Q726724
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As a Christian believer I am, of course, a creationist in the proper sense of the term, for I believe that the mind and the purpose of a divine Creator lie behind the fruitful history and remarkable order of the universe which science explores. But I am certainly not a creationist in that curious North American sense, which implies interpreting Genesis 1 in a flat-footed literal way and supposing that evolution is wrong.
Awarded Templeton Prize (2002).
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“As a Christian believer I am, of course, a creationist in the proper sense of the term, for I believe that the mind and the purpose of a divine Creator lie behind the fruitful history and remarkable order of the universe which science explores. But I am certainly not a creationist in that curious North American sense, which implies interpreting Genesis 1 in a flat-footed literal way and supposing that evolution is wrong.”
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Died 2021-03-09.
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Australian Broadcasting Corporation: John Polkinghorne
Was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Hong Kong Baptist University as part of their 50-year celebrations
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Awarded Templeton Prize (2002).
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PBS: Excerpt: 2002 Templeton Prize Winner John Polkinghorne’s Book
PBS: 2002 Templeton Prize Winner: John Polkinghorne
Was awarded the Templeton Prize for his contributions to research at the interface between science and religion
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Awarded Knight Bachelor (1997).
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Awarded Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1997).
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Polkinghorne was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE), although as an ordained priest in the Church of England, he was not styled as "Sir John Polkinghorne"
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And in 2002 received the £1-million Templeton Prize, awarded for exceptional contributions to affirming life's spiritual dimension
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Career landmark: chairperson (1988–1996).
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Studied at Westcott House (1979–1981).
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To study at Westcott House, Cambridge, an Anglican theological college, becoming an ordained priest on 6 June 1982 (Trinity Sunday)
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Awarded Fellow of the Royal Society (1974).
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And in 1968 was offered a professorship in mathematical physics, a position he held until 1979, his students including Brian Josephson and Martin Rees
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Studied at University of Cambridge, Doctor (1952–1955).
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As Senior Wrangler, then earned his PhD in physics in 1955, supervised by the Nobel laureate Abdus Salam in the group led by Paul Dirac
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Studied at Trinity College (1949–1952).
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Studied at The Perse School (1945–1948).
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Studied at Elmhurst Junior School (1941–1945).
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Polkinghorne was transferred to The Perse School, Cambridge
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While flying for the Royal Air Force during the Second World War
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Born 1930-10-16.
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