Process Theology

Definition

Process theology is a theological perspective that emphasizes the dynamic and evolving nature of God and reality, asserting that everything is in a state of process rather than static existence. This view suggests that God's relationship with the world is characterized by mutual influence, where both God and creation are in a constant state of change. It connects deeply to discussions about how divine action occurs in the world, the independence of science from religious claims, and how interreligious dialogue can benefit from an understanding of shared processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Process theology originated from the philosophical ideas of Alfred North Whitehead, who proposed that reality consists of interrelated events rather than isolated substances.
2. It challenges traditional views of divine omnipotence by suggesting that God's power is persuasive rather than coercive, influencing creation through love and relationship.
3. In process theology, God's knowledge is not seen as absolute but rather as evolving alongside creation, meaning that God experiences the world in real time.
4. This perspective encourages a collaborative view of human and divine action, implying that humans play a significant role in shaping their own destiny through their choices.
5. Process theology provides a framework for understanding interreligious dialogue as it highlights shared experiences of change and transformation across different faiths.

Review Questions

• How does process theology redefine traditional concepts of divine power and knowledge?
  • Process theology redefines divine power by arguing that God does not exert unilateral control over creation; instead, God's power is persuasive and operates through love. This means that God influences events rather than dictates them, allowing for genuine freedom within creation. In terms of knowledge, process theology posits that God learns and evolves with creation, experiencing events as they happen rather than knowing them in an absolute sense.
• Discuss how process theology informs the understanding of divine action within the world.
  • Process theology suggests that divine action is inherently relational and dynamic. Rather than seeing God as a distant observer or an all-controlling force, this view emphasizes God's active participation in the ongoing processes of the universe. In this light, divine action is not about performing miracles or overriding natural laws but about guiding and inspiring humanity within the context of natural events and human choices.
• Evaluate how process theology might contribute to more fruitful interreligious dialogue among different faith traditions.
  • Process theology fosters interreligious dialogue by emphasizing common themes of change, evolution, and relationality present in many spiritual beliefs. By recognizing that all faith traditions experience a dynamic interaction with the divine and each other, process theology encourages mutual respect and understanding. It allows for discussions about shared values such as compassion, justice, and transformation while acknowledging differences in beliefs about God’s nature and involvement in the world.

Related terms

Open Theism:

A theological viewpoint that posits God does not have exhaustive foreknowledge of all future events, allowing for genuine human free will and a responsive relationship between God and creation.

Panentheism: The belief that God interpenetrates every part of the universe and extends beyond it, emphasizing a relationship where the world exists within God but is not identical to God.

Relational Theology: An approach that focuses on the relationships among God, humanity, and creation, emphasizing the importance of interaction and connection over static existence.