1. Process Theology
We have considered a variety of Christian arguments in defence of God against the problems of evil. Particularly the theodicies.
Each has tried to work within a traditional definition of God (Omnipotent / Omniscient / All loving / All Good) and been confronted with substantial criticism.
Process Theology presents a more radical solution which asserts that God is not omnipotent – therefore moving away from the classical definition.
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2. Learning Aims
To explore the key features of Process Philosophy and see how they are used by Process Theologians to understand the person of God.
In particular we will focus on the unique contribution Process theology has made to the Problem of Evil and Suffering.
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3. Introduction
Process theology is grounded in the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead ( ).
In the modern era John Cobb Jr. has been a significant developer of Whitehead's philosophy within the context of Christian theology.
More recently David Griffin developed this approach.
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4. Key Points – traditional view
Process theology challenges the traditional view of God often presented in Christianity.
The traditional belief is that God is perfect, static and that human activity tends not to influence God or change God.
Furthermore, God is usually considered to be transcendent to the world. Is separate from the world (God is ‘other’).
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5. Traditional view - ‘Static’
’Static' does not mean God is inactive but rather God is not in a process of development, or change, from what God is now to something better.
For example, God does not learn and increase in knowledge which then allows God to make better decisions.
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6. Pan = Everything; En = In; Theos = God
Panentheism
Process theology holds that God did not create the world and is instead a part of it. Having the limited role of starting evolution.
It is ‘panentheistic’; believing that everything is in God rather than pantheistic which is the idea that everything is God.
Pan = Everything; En = In; Theos = God
Pantheism = Everything is God
Panentheism = Everything is in God (or God is
in everything
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7. Nothing Stays the Same…
Process theology rests on the foundational premise that everything in the world is in flux.
This means nothing is static.
Everything is constantly in motion.
Everything is always changing.
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8. Greek Philosophers The Buddha
'You cannot step into the same rivers; for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you' (Heraclitus)
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9. Process Philosophy: Overview
Process philosophy begins with an analysis of the human condition.
In each moment we are in a process towards becoming something else.
This is because every moment is a new experience.
This is called Bi-polarity – it is to do with making decisions.
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10. Consider the following with reference to Karma…
Bi = Two
Pole = A sort of reference point (E.g. The North and South poles)
Bi-polar = Two points of ‘reference’
In process philosophy these two points are the past and potential future.
These always influence the present moment.
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11. What goes around comes around…
Furthermore, my experience in this moment will not be forgotten but is likely to affect some future decisions as well.
Thus my present experience will be incorporated into my past pole.
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12. So what has all this got to do with God?
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13. From Philosophy to Theology
According to process theologians God is an entity like us in that every moment of God’s existence is bi-polar.
This means God makes decisions about future events based on prior knowledge.
This also means God has a past and future pole.
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14. The implications of this are significant.
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15. God only knows what has happened up to now.
Firstly it means God does not have absolute knowledge of all future events (is not omniscient)
God only knows what has happened up to now.
Secondly, it means God must be learning from us and increasing in knowledge and experience moment by moment.
Therefore, God will make decisions about the future based on this knowledge.
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16. This also means God cannot force people to do anything
This also means God cannot force people to do anything. God is limited in activity by our choices.
Furthermore, God can only encourage people towards what God feels is the best future for them (the Divine lure).
There is the possibility in process theology that people might reject God’s ‘advances’.
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17. Classical Omniscience – knows ALL (Past, Present AND Future)
Breaking from Tradition - Unlike traditional theism, in process theology God is no longer considered omniscient or omnipotent in the classical sense.
Classical Omniscience – knows ALL (Past, Present AND Future)
P.T. - God only knows all that has happened.
Classical Omnipotence – bound by God’s will. Free to a point (free will)
P.T.– God can only do as much as God is allowed to!
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18. The Process View of God
You could say God is a bit like a cosmic gambler...
Because he could not accurately predict the future outcomes, he gambled when making choices.
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19. For Consideration… Do you agree with process philosophy?
Do you like this view of God?
Do you find it helpful to think of God in this way?
Why?
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20. Positive Aspects of the approach
Firstly, process theology presents a much more sympathetic and understanding God.
God does not judge us and condemn us because we have not achieved some ‘ultimate’ perfection, for God has no more ‘arrived at this point than we have.
Like God we are simply to make the best of each situation.
God is a fellow sufferer who understands our suffering.
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21. Getting Rid of Guilt?
In traditional theism you are encouraged to study God to be more like God ('Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect' (Matthew 5:48)).
This is a very negative view of our relationship with God and it can quickly lead to guilt and a sense of worthlessness.
This view is avoided in process theology.
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22. Getting Rid of the Divine Dictator
In process theology we are fellow travellers with God on the journey of life.
If we are to follow the example of God then this should be one of co-operation rather than coercion.
And in terms of this as a model for human behaviour…..
Like God we should not to force our opinions and ideas onto other people.
People have the right to reject our views.
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23. Relevance to Evil and Suffering
God is not responsible for evil and suffering;
If God has the potential to be rejected by us, then evil is a by-product of this process of moving away from God.
Inevitably 'bad' choices will be made by entities which have the freedom to reject or accept God's suggestions (the Divine lure).
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24. Rather God 's power and activity is limited through our choices.
Also under process theology God does not permit evil, because God cannot prevent it from happening in the first place.
Although evil is not something God wants, God cannot really do anything about it.
The charge that God must be evil or impotent to allow evil does not apply here for it is a problem which has literally been taken out of 'God's hands’.
Rather God 's power and activity is limited through our choices.
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25. Problems with Process Theologies concept of God & Evil and Suffering
What value is there in praying to a God who can only sympathise with your afflictions but cannot do anything about them?
In terms of the future there is no guarantee that good will triumph over evil.
God may hope that it does and will encourage people towards that goal, but cannot force it to happen.
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26. Is God Good?
If God is always changing then what guarantee is there that God will always hope for good?
God might suddenly change and decide to start ‘luring’ people towards evil rather than good.
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27. Value for Christian Theology
It presents a view of God much more akin to that we find expressed in Jesus Christ.
A God who understands, respects and sympathises with us because God knows what it means to be truly human.
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28. To do….
Using what you have heard and pages 96 – 98 of Jordan, Lockyer & Tate;
Summarise Process theology / The Process Theodicy
List the main strengths and weaknesses of the theodicy
Make a note of points in the argument that relate to Buddhism (I.e., that there is constant change; that even God is subject to natural laws..) and add comments that might be made from the Buddhist perspective on these
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