Insights from Studying Process Theology

Note that my study of process theology was a personal endeavor rather than being offered in seminary curricula. Due to my interest in this theological tradition, I dedicated time to reading and understanding the insights it provides. This article highlights some of the key insights I gained, which, while influenced by other theological traditions, bring a fresh perspective to our understanding of God.

God as a Process Not an Object

Traditional theological perspectives often conceptualize God as a static, unchanging object, rooted in Platonic and Aristotelian philosophies. In contrast, process theology emphasizes the concept of becoming or process. God, in this understanding, is seen as a dynamic force that is always in flux, influencing and being influenced by the world.

This shift in perspective helps us view our own lives and faith as part of a continuous unfolding process, not as static events. Each moment is an event that contributes to the ongoing flow, and God is an integral part of this dynamic process. Just as the wind changes the shape of the ocean, so too does God shape and reshape the world and our lives.

God’s Grace and Wisdom in Limiting Interventions

Process theology recognizes that God, despite divine omnipotence, does not often intervene in every detail of our lives. This is not a matter of weakness but of wisdom and grace. Instead of forcing drastic changes, God prefers to work subtly and incrementally. This approach allows for the development of agency in others, including humans, angels, and other spiritual beings.

These subtle influences often go unnoticed, fitting naturally into the ongoing processes of the world. This means that God’s timing is not the same as our timing; many of God’s actions are so subtle that they blend into the everyday and can be overlooked.

Change in God

The concept of God changing is a central tenet of process theology and one that I find particularly compelling. This change is not a mercy but rather a necessity for genuine relational experiences. Without change, the relationship between God and humanity would be superficial and unfulfilling. This view of God as dynamic and responsive deepens our understanding of the relationship between the divine and the human.

Growing our understanding in this way is not academic or merely theoretical, but it can profoundly enrich our theological imagination and enhance our faith, even if we are skeptical of the main ideas of process theology. It expands our conceptual tools and helps us see the world and our relationship with God in new and meaningful ways.

Even if you find the ideas of process theology challenging or unappealing, it is worthwhile to engage with this tradition. Studying it can lead to insights that enrich your faith and deepen your understanding of the divine.