21 results on '"process theism"'
Search Results
2. Process-Panentheism and the 'Only Way' Argument
- Author
-
Langby Lina
- Subjects
panentheism ,process theism ,process-panentheism ,evil ,theodicy ,only way ,evolution ,theistic evolution ,omnipotence ,Religion (General) ,BL1-50 - Abstract
Given panentheism, when trying to offer a plausible solution to the problem of evil, what is the most promising way forward? In this article, I argue that a panentheist who wants to answer the problem of evil by using the “only way” argument should embrace the metaphysics of process theism. In other words, she ought to be a process-panentheist. Process theism is a version of panentheism, while panentheism generally need not to imply process theism. I shall use the terms “process-panentheist” and “non-process-panentheist” to differentiate adherents of these two forms of panentheism. I examine the “only way” argument as a possible theodicy for panentheists and conclude that it is only a convincing theodicy for the panentheist if (i) she is a process-panentheist, or (ii) she thinks this is the best possible world. If she is a non-process-panentheist or does not think this is the best possible world, the “only way” approach fails to be a coherent theodicy.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Neoclassical Theism as Inherently Dialogical.
- Author
-
Dombrowski, Daniel A.
- Subjects
- *
THEISM , *GOD , *HISTORIOGRAPHY - Abstract
The position usually called "process theism" is seldom called this by one of its most important defenders, Charles Hartshorne. The label he typically uses is "neoclassical theism". It is important to notice that these two designations are not equivalent. To speak of process theism is to accentuate the differences between this metaphysical view and an opposing metaphysical stance, that of traditional or substantialist theism. By way of contrast, to speak of neoclassical theism is not to accentuate differences but rather the inclusion of one metaphysical tradition within another. That is, the neoclassical theism of Hartshorne (along with that of A.N. Whitehead, John Cobb, and David Ray Griffin, et al.) is both "neo" and "classical". The compatibility between the best insights of classical theism and the best in neoclassical theism is evidenced in Hartshorne's startling claim that he learned almost as much from St. Thomas Aquinas as he did from Whitehead! Although Hartshorne spent a good deal of his career pointing out that classical theism was shipwrecked on certain rocks of contradiction (neo), Thomas, more than anyone else, has provided us with an admirable chart showing the location of the rocks (classical). Three different topics will be emphasized in my defense of the thesis that "process theism" tends to be a polemical designation, in contrast to the more irenic "neoclassical theism". The first of these is the contrast between monopolar and dipolar metaphysics. In the divine case, the neoclassical theist emphasizes the claim that, in partial contrast to the classical theistic God who does not in any way change, God always changes, and both of these words are important. The second topic is the commonplace in "process" thought that one of the most important passages in the history of metaphysical writing is in Plato's Sophist (247e), where it is suggested that being is power or dynamis, specifically the power, however slight, both to affect other beings and to be affected by them. The third topic is Whiteheadian prehension, wherein a metaphysical thinker in the present can literally grasp and include the best insights from previous metaphysical traditions and partially transform them by bringing them into a larger whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Neoclassical Theism as Inherently Dialogical
- Author
-
Daniel A. Dombrowski
- Subjects
classical theism ,neoclassical theism ,process theism ,monopolar theism ,dipolar theism ,Charles Hartshorne ,Religions. Mythology. Rationalism ,BL1-2790 - Abstract
The position usually called “process theism” is seldom called this by one of its most important defenders, Charles Hartshorne. The label he typically uses is “neoclassical theism”. It is important to notice that these two designations are not equivalent. To speak of process theism is to accentuate the differences between this metaphysical view and an opposing metaphysical stance, that of traditional or substantialist theism. By way of contrast, to speak of neoclassical theism is not to accentuate differences but rather the inclusion of one metaphysical tradition within another. That is, the neoclassical theism of Hartshorne (along with that of A.N. Whitehead, John Cobb, and David Ray Griffin, et al.) is both “neo” and “classical”. The compatibility between the best insights of classical theism and the best in neoclassical theism is evidenced in Hartshorne’s startling claim that he learned almost as much from St. Thomas Aquinas as he did from Whitehead! Although Hartshorne spent a good deal of his career pointing out that classical theism was shipwrecked on certain rocks of contradiction (neo), Thomas, more than anyone else, has provided us with an admirable chart showing the location of the rocks (classical). Three different topics will be emphasized in my defense of the thesis that “process theism” tends to be a polemical designation, in contrast to the more irenic “neoclassical theism”. The first of these is the contrast between monopolar and dipolar metaphysics. In the divine case, the neoclassical theist emphasizes the claim that, in partial contrast to the classical theistic God who does not in any way change, God always changes, and both of these words are important. The second topic is the commonplace in “process” thought that one of the most important passages in the history of metaphysical writing is in Plato’s Sophist (247e), where it is suggested that being is power or dynamis, specifically the power, however slight, both to affect other beings and to be affected by them. The third topic is Whiteheadian prehension, wherein a metaphysical thinker in the present can literally grasp and include the best insights from previous metaphysical traditions and partially transform them by bringing them into a larger whole.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. God and the world : Pragmatic and epistemic arguments for panentheistic and pantheistic conceptions of the God–world relationship
- Author
-
Langby, Lina and Langby, Lina
- Abstract
This study critically reconstructs, analyzes, and assesses reasons for embracing panentheism or pantheism instead of classical theism. It argues that, when analyzing the adequacy of a conception of God, pragmatic reasons related to harms or benefits are equally important as epistemic reasons that relate to truth and correspondence. To assess and weigh the reasons for and against panentheism and pantheism, worship-worthiness is used as a methodological tool. The reasons to prefer or reject panentheism or pantheism as adequate conceptions of the divine reality are thus related to worship-worthiness. Pragmatic and epistemic arguments for and against panentheism and pantheism are examined because both play a part when assessing whether a conception describes a God who is worthy of worship. The investigation of the reasons to embrace or reject panentheism and pantheism is structured into five chapters, focusing on gender equality, environmental well-being, science and religion, the problem of evil, and worship-worthiness. A novel view of worship-worthiness is presented – a view that makes fruitful discussions of the adequacy of alternative conceptions of God possible. There are benefits and problems with all conceptions of God. However, several reasons related to gender equality, environmental well-being, science, the problem of evil, and worship-worthiness suggest that a strict form of panentheism has explanatory and moral advantages over other conceptions of the God–world relationship. Pantheism has benefits that are equal to strict panentheism regarding environmental well-being and gender equality; but reasons pertaining to science, the problem of evil, and worship-worthiness suggest that pantheism should be rejected. Although not without its problems, the study presents reasons to think that strict panentheism, such as process-panentheism, conceptualizes an essentially loving God that is worthy of worship.
- Published
- 2023
6. Panentheism and its neighbors.
- Author
-
Stenmark, Mikael
- Subjects
- *
GOD , *PANENTHEISM , *THEISM , *DEISM , *PANTHEISM , *DOCTRINAL theology , *PHILOSOPHERS , *THEOLOGIANS - Abstract
In this paper I suggest that we should identify panentheism on a scale, with deism at one extreme and pantheism at the other. The surprising outcome of the analysis is that many of the things which in the philosophical and theological debate are simply taken for granted as distinguishing panentheism from traditional theism (and vice versa) turn out to be possible extension claims rather than core doctrines of these different conceptions of God. Nevertheless, I maintain that it remains possible to draw a line between them. It is also emphasized that the greatest challenge many panentheists face is to give a convincing argument why we should think that God's power can never be coercive, but must always be persuasive. The good news is that there is nothing in panentheism that requires that we must accept this particular doctrine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
7. Process-Panentheism and the 'Only Way' Argument
- Author
-
Lina Langby
- Subjects
Philosophy ,Filosofi ,panentheism ,process theism ,process-panentheism ,evil ,theodicy ,only way ,evolution ,theistic evolution ,omnipotence ,Religious studies - Abstract
Given panentheism, when trying to offer a plausible solution to the problem of evil, what is the most promising way forward? In this article, I argue that a panentheist who wants to answer the problem of evil by using the “only way” argument should embrace the metaphysics of process theism. In other words, she ought to be a process-panentheist. Process theism is a version of panentheism, while panentheism generally need not to imply process theism. I shall use the terms “process-panentheist” and “non-process-panentheist” to differentiate adherents of these two forms of panentheism. I examine the “only way” argument as a possible theodicy for panentheists and conclude that it is only a convincing theodicy for the panentheist if (i) she is a process-panentheist, or (ii) she thinks this is the best possible world. If she is a non-process-panentheist or does not think this is the best possible world, the “only way” approach fails to be a coherent theodicy.
- Published
- 2022
8. St. John of the Cross and the Monopolar Concept of God in the Abrahamic Religions in Spain
- Author
-
Daniel Dombrowski
- Subjects
mysticism ,St. John of the Cross ,Spain ,monopolar theism ,dipolar theism ,process theism ,Religions. Mythology. Rationalism ,BL1-2790 - Abstract
The aim of this article is to philosophically explore the tension between “the God of the philosophers” and “the God of religious experience.” This exploration will focus on the mystical theology of the 16th c. Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross. It will be argued that a satisfactory resolution of the aforementioned tension cannot occur on the basis of the monopolar theism that has dominated the Abrahamic religions. That is, a better understanding of mystics in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam can occur via dipolar theism as articulated by contemporary process philosophers in the Abrahamic religions, especially the thought of Charles Hartshorne.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
9. Ten Strategies for the Trinity: God as Transcendental Multiplicity and Ipsa Relationalitas
- Author
-
Migliorini, Damiano
- Subjects
Trinitarian theology ,philosophical theology ,process theism ,trinità ,Trinity ,filosofia della religione ,Philosophy of Religion ,Theism ,metaphysics ,natural theology ,Relations ,Aquinas - Abstract
's logical consistency. It is not my intention, however, to retrace here the salient points and studies of this debate (for several such overviews, see Morris, 1991, chap. 9; Inwagen, 1998; McCall & Rea, 2009; Damonte, 2009; McCall, 2010; Tuggy, 2003, 2016; Bertini, 2015). I recently proposed (Migliorini, 2019a) ��� after an evaluation of that debate ��� to consider the Trinitarian doctrine as contradictory, while also formulating an Argument (which I described as ���Kantian-Inspired���) that should still allow us to believe in the Trinity. The Argument runs as follows: . . . ., Nuovo Giornale di Filosofia della Religione, N. 9 Gennaio - Aprile 2019
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
10. Can Whitehead’s God be Rescued from Process Theism?
- Author
-
Ford, Lewis S. and Harris, James Franklin, editor
- Published
- 1992
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Overcoming the limits of theodicy: an interactive reciprocal response to evil.
- Author
-
Culp, John
- Subjects
- *
THEODICY , *GOOD & evil , *OMNIPOTENCE of God , *PROOF of God , *THEISM - Abstract
Recent criticisms of theodicies express a conflict between theoretical and practical responses to the existence of evil. Theodicies, and defenses, seek to provide a resolution to the question of why there is evil if there is God. In providing an answer, theodicies offer an explanation for evil that responds to the existence of evil in a theoretical manner. In contrast to those theoretical responses, there have been a number of responses to the existence of evil that have emphasized acting against evil. These practical responses have stressed human actions to lessen the occurrence and impact of evil. Examining the criticisms of theodicies and the responses that have been made to those criticisms opens up the possibility of an interaction between theoretical and practical responses to evil. A survey of the changing understanding of divine omnipotence demonstrates the reciprocal interaction between theoretical and practical responses to evil leading to a more a comprehensive response to the existence of evil and God's relationship to evil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Considering Alternatives
- Author
-
Mesle, C. Robert and Mesle, C. Robert
- Published
- 1991
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. 'The Process Concept of God and Pacifism'.
- Author
-
Dombrowski, Daniel
- Abstract
In this article I argue for the superiority of the neoclassical (or process) concept of God to the classical concept of God as static, especially as the former relates to the moral superiority of pacifism to just war theory. However, the two main proponents of neoclassical or process theism-Alfred North Whitehead and Charles Hartshorne-failed to see the full ramifications of their improved concept of God in that they tended to stop short of pacifism by maintaining an uneasy alliance with the violence often associated with classical theism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Rival concepts of God and rival versions of mysticism.
- Author
-
Dombrowski, Daniel A.
- Subjects
- *
GOD , *THEISM , *CONCEPTS , *RELIGIOUS experience , *MYSTICISM - Abstract
There is a well known debate between those who defend a traditional (or classical) concept of God and those who defend a process (or neoclassical) concept of God. Not as well known are the implications of these two rival concepts of God in the effort to understand religious experience. With the aid of the great pragmatist philosopher John Smith, I defend the process (or neoclassical) concept of God in its ability to better illuminate and render as intelligible as possible mystical experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
15. Trinity, Temporality, and Open Theism.
- Author
-
Rice, Richard
- Subjects
TRINITY ,OPEN theism ,GOD ,PHILOSOPHERS ,RELIGIOUS doctrines ,RELIGIONS ,THEOLOGY ,PHILOSOPHY - Abstract
The article focuses on the concept of temporality, open theism and trinity. It notes that several philosophers including open theists seek for reasons to assign temporarility to God. It mentions the statement of Robert W. Jenson that trinity is indispensable to a Christian idea of God and divine temporality is necessary to the meaning of the trinity. It further reveals the argument of Jenson that the persons that pertains in the trinity are relations and that these relations are worldly. The author believes that the insights of Jenson are not clear due to the conflicting references to time as an area to which God is related.
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
16. Introduction.
- Author
-
Diller, Jeanine
- Subjects
OPEN theism ,PHILOSOPHY - Abstract
The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one by Ted Peters on the models of God and another by Alan Rhoda that focuses on open theism.
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
17. Panentheism and its neighbors
- Author
-
Mikael Stenmark
- Subjects
060303 religions & theology ,Deism ,Philosophy ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Panentheism ,Doctrine ,06 humanities and the arts ,Filosofi, etik och religion ,0603 philosophy, ethics and religion ,Epistemology ,Conceptions of God ,Extension (metaphysics) ,Argument ,Nothing ,Classical theism ,060302 philosophy ,Pantheism ,Theism ,Philosophy, Ethics and Religion ,Form of the Good ,media_common ,Process theism - Abstract
In this paper I suggest that we should identify panentheism on a scale, with deism at one extreme and pantheism at the other. The surprising outcome of the analysis is that many of the things which in the philosophical and theological debate are simply taken for granted as distinguishing panentheism from traditional theism (and vice versa) turn out to be possible extension claims rather than core doctrines of these different conceptions of God. Nevertheless, I maintain that it remains possible to draw a line between them. It is also emphasized that the greatest challenge many panentheists face is to give a convincing argument why we should think that God’s power can never be coercive, but must always be persuasive. The good news is that there is nothing in panentheism that requires that we must accept this particular doctrine.
- Published
- 2019
18. St. John of the Cross and the Monopolar Concept of God in the Abrahamic Religions in Spain.
- Author
-
Dombrowski, Daniel
- Subjects
- *
CHRISTIANITY , *MYSTICISM , *THEISM - Abstract
The aim of this article is to philosophically explore the tension between "the God of the philosophers" and "the God of religious experience." This exploration will focus on the mystical theology of the 16th c. Spanish mystic St. John of the Cross. It will be argued that a satisfactory resolution of the aforementioned tension cannot occur on the basis of the monopolar theism that has dominated the Abrahamic religions. That is, a better understanding of mystics in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam can occur via dipolar theism as articulated by contemporary process philosophers in the Abrahamic religions, especially the thought of Charles Hartshorne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
19. Redemption and Process Theism
- Author
-
Cooper, Burton Z. and Cooper, Burton Z.
- Published
- 1974
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
20. Ground‐ of‐Being Theologies
- Author
-
Wildman, Wesley J. and Clayton, Philip, book editor
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
21. The Question of Subjective Immortality: A Comparison and Contrast of Process Theism with Classical Theism
- Author
-
Chernikov, Dmitry A.
- Subjects
- Philosophy, Theology, whitehead, hartshorne, thomas aquinas, mises, process theism, immortality
- Abstract
The question is over whether Process Theism as presented in the works of Whitehead and Hartshorne provide intellectually better ways of thinking of God than are found in Classical Theism. This broad question will guide our inquiry into the contested issues of being and becoming, and subjective and objective immortality.
- Published
- 2009
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