Introduction to Process Theology

Catalog description

Throughout history, Christian theology has drawn from a variety of philosophical frameworks to support and express its deepest doctrinal convictions. This course is an introduction to process theology as based in the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947). Through various readings from past and present process theologians, students will explore the relevance of process theology to key domains of Christian doctrine and practice. These include (1) the relationship between philosophy and theology; (2) the nature of human existence and experience; (3) the biblical witness; (4) God’s relationship and interaction with creation; (5) hamartiology; (6) Christology; (7) the Trinity; (8) the resurrection of Christ; (9) ecclesiology; (10) mysticism and exceptional experience; (11) the nature and efficacy of prayer; (12) religious pluralism and non-Christian relevance; and (14) eschatology and life after death. By encountering a variety of perspectives across these domains, students will obtain an orienting grasp of process theology as one of the most important theological movements of the 20th and 21st century.