Testing Scripture: A Scientist Explores the Bible

by John C. Polkinghorne

Scientist and theologian John Polkinghorne is one of the world's leading authorities on issues of science and faith. In this compelling work, he provides a fresh, honest look at key themes of the Bible from an analytical and rational perspective, offering a series of insights that have helped him in his own engagement with the Bible. Polkinghorne tackles the questions a modern Western thinker might bring to the Bible, including issues of Scripture and authority, contradiction and ambiguity, and the creation and fall. He also addresses theological challenges of the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the writings of Paul. "I have written this little book in the hope that it will be helpful to those who are seeking a careful and thoughtful engagement with the Bible in their quest for a truthful understanding of the ways of God and the nature of spiritual reality," writes Polkinghorne. His nuanced approach will be appreciated by any reader with an open and inquiring mind who is interested in the intersection between science and Scripture.

Genres: Science, Religion, Theology, Scripture, Christianity

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

John Charlton Polkinghorne is an English theoretical physicist, theologian, writer 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 president of Queens' College, Cambridge from 1988 until 1996.

Reviews

[Karin Rosner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as a good overview of the history, structure and different types of writing that are included in the Bible, and it's a very accessible introduction to Polkinghorne's other writing and thinking. The author is asking deep questions about the rationality of what we read in scripture along with what we've retained through various traditions (sacred or otherwise) that we accept as pious truth. He never wavers from a classically orthodox interpretation of the Bible and Christian teaching but he asks questions and presents challenges. He never belittles the controversies and conflicts that are included in the Bible, and never belittles the doubts of the reader.

I chose this book after a mild argument online about Creationism vs. Evolution, which really pitted an acceptance of scientific theory against Biblical tradition of literalism for every word of scripture, a tradition which is alien to me. I devoured this book- it represents the transmitted Christian faith that I received, one that's full of wonder about God's creation and full of awe at who Jesus Christ is and what he has done. This faith has room for questions, conundrums and even doubt. I felt _comforted_ while reading.

I'd like to encourage all of my friends to read this book and think about what Polkinghorne is saying about the critical debates related to each of the huge problems he points to. Mark up the book. Ask questions of the text. Read the Bible. Read authors whose opinions might challenge you. Ask more questions!

[Gerald Hoeltge · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this short book, Sir John Polkinghorne melds rational science with the sacred texts of the Bible. As both a Fellow of the Royal Society as a physicist and a priest of the Anglican Communion, he chooses several key biblical themes to make his case. Those who believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God will be disappointed in this book. So will humanists who reject the authority of the Bible at any level. Professing Christians, however, who prefer to ignore portions of the Bible inconsistent with modern ethics will be encouraged by Polkinghorne’s exegesis, an approach that allows one to choose what God may have said and to select what uninspired writers may have added. In the end, the reader is left to determine whether the Bible is to be read in a “flat-footedly literal” way or is a well-meaning albeit fabulous account of events from millennia ago. Polkinghorne’s elegant prose is unlikely to budge anyone from her or his preconceived bias.

[Walter Bodjanac · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author begins by stating that he is a Christian and that he has read the bible daily for over 60 years. Yet throughout the book he makes statements that are inconsistent with Christian dogma. For example, he attributes the creation story in the book of Genesis as receiving inspiration from Babylonian myth. He views Jesus as a historical figure, yet denies the virgin conception and attributes the story to a mythical compilation. He believes statements made by Jesus were not really his, but were inserted by the gospel writers as to what they thought he "might" have said.

Otherwise, the chapters are succinct and the rationales to his conclusions, while inconsistent with Christianity, are clearly articulated and transparent.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY liked this book. The author is both a scientist (physics) and a priest. In short chapters he explains how he understands the Bible incorporating both scientific and historical information. Gives a good holistic perspective.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and readable, yet with provocative theories that I wish the author had spent more time unpacking.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thoughtful examination of the Bible by a physicist turned Anglican priest. An honest appraisal of issues regarding the Bible from a slightly more liberal viewpoint.

[Cory · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute Junk. The author tries to discredit the word of God with nothing but his weakness of inability to understand miracles and the sovereignty of God. If Science discredits an event as not happening just because they don't understand the causes then you eliminate the scientific altogether. A true scientist would focus on the study to find the causes of these miracles rather than discredit the reliable witnesses of the Gospel narratives.

[Ty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book of the sincere thoughts from a Godly man who stands for the very expression of God (Truth). Although, my one issue with Polkinghorne's line of thinking is that we have to sacrifice a piece of the inarency of Scripture due to superficial contradictions, which I believe can be easily reconciled. (On a more positive note) The very foundation of understanding Scripture that Polkinghorne provides is easy to follow and textual proven.

Rest easy John Polkinghorne

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though Polkinghorne's analysis is interesting; I suspect he will not be sitting around the fire with ICBI (International Council on Biblical Inerrancy) folks sipping brandy and smoking cigars. This was a thought-provoking read, though short and only skimming the surface.

[Matthew Richey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Polkinghorne is the the left of me, particularly on bibliology, but I appreciated parts of this book. It was a bit basic, just a sketch of his approach to parts of Scripture. I'd like to read him more in other areas before I make any kind of judgment call.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

insightful and thought provoking

Insightful and thought provoking giving strong motivation to explore the Bible in it entire profundity with a desire to attain knowledge and understanding from it and form the book of nature that God has given us.

[KnKnism · Rating 3 out of 5]

nothing spectacularly insightful. the best part was the last chapter.