Reviews for The Tonsils and the Voice in Science, Surgery, Speech and Song

The average rating for The Tonsils and the Voice in Science, Surgery, Speech and Song based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-04-24 00:00:00 Leonard Conway Polkinghorne's take on Science and Theology is interesting because his his arguments do not rehash what has been said for the past 100 years. Instead he treats both science and theology with a sense of wonder, a sense of mystery. For example, he draws parallels between Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle and the Trinity, which is a refreshing change from discussing for example design or origins. His approach is complementary, in which he views Science and Theology occupying non-conflicting positions in our thoughts. A bit long-winded in some areas, but otherwise a relatively short read.

Review # 2 was written on 2017-03-28 00:00:00 Chinfa Chung This book is intended primarily for theology students and practicing theologians. However, if the general reader can get through the first fifty pages, (s)he will be rewarded with brief, insightful discussions of open theology, complex systems, quantum physics, the "new" natural theology, the anthropic principle, multiverses, theodicy, and divine providence. Chapter six (Motivated Belief) is particularly good. In it, Polkinghorne describes his motivations for his religious beliefs, which do not consist of "irrational acceptance of unquestionable propositions," but rather two kinds of motivation: (1) "general aspects of the human encounter with reality," and (2) "the particularities of personal experience, including . . . specific acts of divine disclosure expressed through uniquely significant events and persons." Even though it starts out slowly, I highly recommend this book for science-minded readers seeking to integrate Christian faith with their scientific worldview. Plus there is quote near the top of p.71 that is almost worth the price of the book, particularly if you enjoy understated British humour.