THE PROBLEM OF EVIL: Process Theodicy Flashcards
What does process theology say about the world?
The world is creative, interrelated, dynamic and open to the future
It is interconnected; a giant ecosystem where what harms or blesses one is done to all
Continuous creativity- new things happen as part of the universal process. From one thing comes another in a never ending cycle
What does process theology say about God?
He is relational, present in every moment of our lives and in all entities and levels of being
He is partly involved with creation so also experiences suffering. Therefore tries to make humanity choose good over evil but doesn’t have total control over us
He isn’t omnipotent or almighty. He is omnipresent, persuasive, omniscient and has love power
How does process theology eradicate the problem of evil?
God belongs to his own creation
Who is A. N. Whitehead?
English mathematician and philosopher
The defining figure of process theology
Main work is ‘process and reality’
Whitehead quote
God is ‘the fellow sufferer who understands’
Who is D. R. Griffin?
Retired American professor of the philosophy of religion and theology
Main work is God, power and evil: A process theodicy
Griffin quote
God cannot completely control the creatures
Strengths of the process theodicy?
The fact that God suffers is encouraging and he can relate to us
Within the process scheme there is no certainty that god will triumph in the end. This may encourage others to join the fight
Weaknesses of the process theodicy?
Denies the God of classical theism (Abrahamic God)
A god that allows evil and suffering isn’t a God worthy of worship; it’s too small a God
If the risk is so great, is there an incentive to join the fight as there is no guarantee that god will win over evil?
