Process Theology

• A.N Whitehead


  influenced by quantum mechanics and ideas of the sub atomic world and how they are in a state of continual change
• David Ray Griffin

  • process theologian
  • developed Whitehead's work
  • Holds view that God did not create the universe: it is uncreated and eternal
• God is not omnipotent

  • ordered a chaotic, pre-existing world
  • God is not in full control
• God is not transcendent


  • the universe is in God
  • God can't dictate the universe
  • God persuaded the universe to be more complex:
  • increased joy
  • increased suffering
  • greater potential to work in harmony with God
• God is responsible but not culpable for suffering


  God cannot influence entities at the lowest level of existence: explains animal suffering
• A world without value


  • if God avoided evil, there'd be no value
  • God shares our suffering
• Positives of process theology

  • supports quantum mechanics
  • fits w/ big bang and evolution
  • explains why God doesn't control evil: he can't
  • claims probability rather than certainty
• Negatives

  • claims God is not omnipotent
  • God is not a god, not worthy of worship