“If someone were to ask, ‘Where is God?’ how would you respond?” Joseph A. Bracken, SJ, uses this question as a springboard to introduce the process-relational metaphysics of Alfred North Whitehead and other process theologians as he tries to reconcile the sometimes-conflicting views of traditional Christian doctrines and the modern scientific world. To present this material in an accessible manner to a broader audience, Bracken reworks Whitehead’s “model” of the God-world relationship, showing that God is involved in an ongoing, ever-changing relationship with all creatures. He also discusses the work of other contemporary theologians to help Christians come to terms with their role in our multi-dimensional pluralistic society. Bracken examines divine and human creativity, the collective power of good and evil, divine providence and human freedom, prayer, altruism, and the fundamental question, “What is truth?” He shows how Whitehead’s process thought approach to these issues could “harmonize” traditional Christian beliefs and contemporary culture, benefiting faith and reason. Understanding the God-world relationship subtly influences our attitude toward ourselves, toward other human beings, and indeed toward all of God’s creatures, says Bracken. His revision of Whitehead’s metaphysical vision in terms of a cosmic community shows how modern views of the world and God can be accepted and kept in balance with the traditional biblical views found in the Christian faith and how this balance can help Christians make better choices in a world shaped both by contemporary natural science and by traditional Christian spirituality. “If we truly believe that in God, we live and move and have our being and that, as a result, we share with the divine persons in a deeply communitarian way of life together with all of God’s creatures, we may be more readily inclined to make the periodic sacrifice of personal self-interest to pursue the higher good of sustained life in the community. In the end, it is simply a matter of seeing the ‘bigger picture,’ realizing what life is ultimately all about.”

"Sometimes you just want to know the answer to a question that's been bugging you-especially when it comes to that intriguing but sometimes challenging thing called process theology! Here at last is exactly the right book, with questions written by people like you and answers developed by that best of all process thinkers ,John B. Cobb,Jr. Whether you plunge right in by reading it straight through, or dip into the issues bit by bit, you'll find yourself a partner in a deeply engaging conversation." MARJORIE SUCHOCKI, author of The Whispered Word: A Theology of Preaching and In God's Presence: Theological Reflections on Prayer "Within these lucid pages, one of the great minds of our time speaks with profound clarity. Herein lie the Big Questions. And these are the answers that changed my life!” PATRICIA ADAMS FARMER, author of Embracing a Beautiful God "After being introduced to the worldview of process thought, Christian readers so often ask: 'But how can this worldview be connected with traditional Christian belief and practice?' The Process Perspective offers a process response to the questions that are truly on people's minds: Is God personal? Is prayer effective? Who was Jesus? Why do the innocent suffer? It presents a way of thinking about Christian faith, and living the Christian life, that is a viable alternative to fundamentalism on the one hand and lukewarm liberalism on the other. It displays a Christianity with roots and wings. Thank you, John Cobb." JAY McDANIEL, author of Living from the Center: Spirituality in an Age of Consumerism In this fresh perspective on faith from a man of faith, internationally renowned process theologian John B. Cobb,Jr., addresses more than thirty questions about God, Christ, the Bible, the church, humankind, and ethics. He seeks to put process ideas into plain language, with clear implications for faithful living.

This collection of essays explores convergences and divergences between process thought and Roman Catholicism with the goal of identifying reasons for why process philosophy and theology has not had the same impact in Roman Catholic circles as in Protestantism, and of constructively navigating avenues of promising engagement between Process thought and Roman Catholicism. In creatively considering the Roman Catholic tradition from the vantage point of Process thought, different theoretical perspectives are brought to bear on Catholic characteristics of historical theology, fundamental theology, systematic theology, moral theology, social justice, and theology of religions. While the contributors draw upon a broad range of resources from the disciplines of the physical and social sciences, philosophy, and ethics from a process perspective, the primary methodology employed is theological reflection.

This is an introductory guide to Process Theology for undergraduates. As part of Contiuum's 'Guide for the Perplexed' series, this text provides an accessible introduction to process theology, aimed at nurturing the theological imagination of undergraduates, pastors and interested laypersons. It describes the major themes of process theology and relates them to the everyday lives and spiritual commitments of people today. In addition to addressing traditional theological issues, Epperly addresses cutting edge issues in theology and ethics such as pluralism and postmodernism, matters of life and death, science (technology and genetics), and emerging forms of Christianity. This text is designed for seminary and university classes as well as congregational study. It will help readers to overcome the obstacles created by the technical language often employed by process theologians. Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.