Abstract

Investor turned philanthropist John Templeton (1912-2008) is widely recognised for financing projects across many areas through his three philanthropic organizations: the Templeton Religion Trust, the John Templeton Foundation, and the Templeton World Charity Foundation. While his financial support has helped the field of science and religion to grow and consolidate, it is not commonly understood why he supported science and religion activities. In this talk I draw on Templeton’s extensive writings to answer three questions: First, Why did Templeton care about science and religion? Second, What are the main features of his thinking about science and religion? And third, In what ways (if at all) does science and religion appear in Templeton’s instructions for his philanthropies? Answering these questions draws out Templeton’s theological and historical commitments, as well as the relations between these commitments, his philanthropic interests, and his hopes and dreams for the future.