Priest named winner of 2008 Templeton prize for spiritual and scientific research
By KEVIN SPURGAITIS
The Templeton Prize is to spiritual and scientific research what the Nobel is to peace advocacy — only richer. Founded by billionaire British investor Sir John Templeton in 1973, the value of the prize is adjusted so it exceeds the value of the Nobel Peace Prize. With the Nobel valued at about $1.5 million (all figures U.S.), this year’s Templeton winner, Polish cosmologist and Catholic priest Michael Heller, will receive a cheque for $1.6 million in a Buckingham Palace ceremony this month.
A philosophy professor at the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Krakow, Heller, 72, has written prolifically on the origins and cause of the universe as well as on the relationship between theology and science. He plans to dedicate his prize money to help create to centre in Krakow for advancing theology and science as an academic discipline.
Originally published in the United Church Observer, May 2008
