Polkinghorne states, that the universe in rationally transparent with regard to its function. He continues that the anthropic principle is the “hint” of god in the universe. Polkinghorne furthers this statement with the mention of Sir, Fred Hoyle the late English astronomer and mathematician, who was an opponent of religion. Polkinghorne quotes Hoyle as saying that, “The universe was a put-out job. It wasn’t an accident.” What Hoyle was referring to was the Physical constant, life producing universe, made possible by stars that will burn for a long time for neighboring planets, as well as themselves that require great balance to sustain life. Most specifically, Hoyle was stating the occurrence of the chemistry of carbon made in the nuclear furnace of the stars, a delicate balance of a nuclear chain, says Polkinghorne. Believers in a divine designer giving reference to chaos and anthropy aren’t anything new, however, he does acknowledge a correlative belief in the big bang along with evolution as well, giving way to a discussion of a metaphysical nature, with both light discussions of quantum physics and philosophy.
Polkinghorne states, that “god” isn’t puppeteer, but a force that permits man’s free-will. Not a man in the sky with a beard. Why didn’t god reveal himself in other parts of the world? Robert Wright poses two questions cliché in nature, but more relevant and appropriate to ask a person of Polkinghorne’s stature in both faith and science. Wright asks about the “pain and suffering” in the world and “why god has only made himself known to one part of the world?” He (Polkinghorne) provided deeply philosophical answers one that stemmed directly from biblical philosophy in reference to cancer being price of man’s free-will. He was unable to really give anything more direct, or one that could suffice, he himself even admitted such at the conclusion of one of his answers.
-Jeremy Watkins (M.G.)
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