theology, process

   A theology that builds upon the metaphysics of process philosophy, process theology has numbered among its leading exponents Charles Hartshorne and, more recently, John Cobb. Its general characteristics include a rejection of the metaphysics of being and substance, instead viewing change and event as fundamental both to God and creation. Hence, God is in the process of becoming along with all else, as he is present to, and affected by, the development of everything. Process theology has proved attractive to theologians seeking an alternative vision to classical theism. It shares certain characteristics with open theism, though proponents of the latter affirm creatio ex nihilo and generally do not subscribe to process metaphysics. Process theists translate Christian doctrine in accordance with their metaphysics. For instance, the doctrine of the Trinity is interpreted through dipolar theism, where, according to John Cobb, God the Father is the concrete being, the Son is the 'primordial nature' and the Spirit is the 'consequent nature'.

   See Hartshorne, Charles; Whitehead, Alfred North

   Further reading: Cobb and Griffin 1976; Griffin 2001; Kane and Phillips 1989; Suchocki 1989