Process Theology

Definition

Process theology is a philosophical and theological perspective that understands God as being in a dynamic and evolving relationship with the universe. This view suggests that God is not an unchanging, all-powerful entity but rather is affected by and interacts with the changing realities of creation, emphasizing the importance of human experience and the process of becoming.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Process theology was significantly influenced by the philosophical ideas of Alfred North Whitehead, who proposed that reality is fundamentally about processes rather than static entities.
2. In process theology, God is seen as persuasive rather than coercive, working through love and relationships to influence creation rather than exercising unilateral control.
3. This theological perspective offers a unique interpretation of traditional attributes of God, such as omnipotence, suggesting that God's power is relational and responsive to the actions of creation.
4. Process theology encourages a view of scripture that highlights personal interpretation and contextual understanding, as it sees divine revelation as ongoing and evolving.
5. The implications of process theology extend to ethics, as it promotes a vision of human responsibility in co-creating reality alongside God, emphasizing the impact of individual choices.

Review Questions

• How does process theology redefine traditional views of God's power and nature?
  • Process theology redefines God's power as relational and persuasive instead of coercive or absolute. This means that God interacts dynamically with creation, being influenced by the events and choices within it. Rather than viewing God as an all-controlling being, process theology emphasizes God's presence in guiding and nurturing the unfolding of reality through love and relationship.
• In what ways does process theology affect our interpretation of religious texts?
  • Process theology affects interpretation by encouraging readers to view scriptures as living documents that are open to personal experience and contextual understanding. This approach promotes an active engagement with texts, allowing for multiple interpretations based on the evolving relationship between humanity and the divine. It also challenges static understandings of scripture, emphasizing ongoing revelation that adapts to contemporary issues and experiences.
• Evaluate the impact of process theology on ethical considerations in contemporary religious thought.
  • Process theology has a significant impact on contemporary ethical thought by placing emphasis on human responsibility in shaping reality alongside God. It encourages individuals to recognize their role in co-creation and moral decision-making. By framing ethical dilemmas within a context of relationality, process theology fosters a sense of accountability and interconnectedness among individuals, communities, and their environment, urging active participation in fostering good outcomes for all.

Related terms

Panentheism: The belief that God is greater than the universe and includes and interpenetrates it, allowing for both transcendence and immanence.

Relational Theology: An approach to theology that emphasizes the significance of relationships in understanding the nature of God and humanity's connection to the divine.

Whiteheadian Philosophy: A philosophical system developed by Alfred North Whitehead, which forms the foundation for process theology, focusing on the importance of change and process in reality.