An Australian physicist whose inquiries into the nature of the universe have breached the barriers dividing science and theology won the $1 million Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion Wednesday.
Paul Davies, a professor of natural philosophy at the University of Adelaide in Australia and the author of more than 20 books exploring the workings of the universe, was honored for numerous findings indicating there is purpose and design to human existence.Davies said the prize gives public recognition to his belief that scientific research illuminates theological issues, and that no religion that ignores these advances can remain credible.
"By affirming that science and religion can engage in a constructive dialogue, the Templeton Prize serves to remove one of the abiding myths of our age - that science is dehumanizing and that scientists peddle a message of despair. I for one will continue to teach my message of hope," he said.
The prize was established in 1972 by investment manager John M. Templeton to recognize individuals who advance the world's understanding of religion. It is the largest monetary prize for achievement in any field.
Previous winners include Mother Teresa, the Rev. Billy Graham and Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Last year's winner was Michael Novak, a Catholic scholar.
Davies, 48, wrote in 1983 that "Science offers a surer path to God than religion." Much of his work on subjects ranging from the origin of the universe to the ability of human beings to understand math and science reflects on the mystery of whether there is purpose and design to human existence.
"It is impossible to be a scientist, even an atheistic scientist, and not be struck by the awesome beauty, harmony and ingenuity of nature," Davies said in a prepared statement. "What most impresses me is the existence of an underlying mathematical order, an order that led the astronomer Sir James Jeans to declare: `God is a pure mathemetician.' "