ABSTRACT
This paper discusses and proposes controversial ideas that will fall outside the comfort zone of some readers. Nevertheless, the arguments are logically sound and derive from much interaction with the works of John Polkinghorne and are consistent (as I shall argue) with his scientific and theological position. With that said, and since this paper is written in recognition of Polkinghorne’s contributions to the field, it will be expedient to begin by appealing to his sense of open-mindedness:
Metaphysical endeavour in general, and talk of agency in particular, will inevitably require a certain boldness of conjecture as part of the heuristic exploration of possibility. In our present state of ignorance, no one has access to a final and definitive proposal. The test of the enterprise will be the degree to which it can attain comprehensiveness of explanation and overall coherence, including an adequate degree of consonance with human experience. 1
