Dawkins criticises an unnamed Cambridge geologist who is “well advanced along the
Faustian road to a future
Templeton Prize”.
Earlier he asserted “Templeton’s money corrupts science”
.
For those who have never heard of the Templeton Prize, it was established by
Sir John Templeton (1912-2008) in 1972.
It is awarded to the person who most advances the spiritual incite of humanity.
It is often given to a scientist who has promoted the understanding between the sciences and religion.
Currently the prize is worth one million pounds sterling.
Dawkins implies that winner of the Templeton Prize like the
Rev John Polkinghorne made the Faustian deal with religion.
Polkinghorne was a committed Christian in both the 1950s and 60s, years before the inaugural Templeton Prize.
He justly won it in 2002.
Like Polkinghorne, I have travelled that Faustian road willingly. Like Faust, I gave my life. Unlike Faust, I did not make my deal with the devil and have gained nothing worldly. Unlike Polkinghorne, I have done nothing to deserve to win the Templeton Prize.
