In that past week 5 different Homebrewed Christianity Deacons have asked where to start reading some Process theology…on their kindle. As your friendly neighborhood Process evangelist I thought I would do some kindle searching and help anyone out who is wanting their Kindle app to prehend some Process theology. Here are my suggestions…
The one & only John Cobb’s The Process Perspective II is a very easy to read introduction that is organized by theme and in a Frequently Asked Question format. Nothing makes me happier than having John Cobb on my iPad every where I go!
If you come from an evangelical tribe you can do no better than Thomas Jay Oord! His book The Nature of Love: A Theology is brilliant and inspiring. I even teared up in chapter 5 when Tom gets to discussing essential kenosis and eschatological hope.
There are three big reasons I have remained attracted to Process theology & each have a pretty sweet kindle volume available!
- Process theology gave me words for my own piety, religious experience, and in particular prayer. In her book In God’s Presence Marjorie Suchocki gives a beautiful and easy to read account of prayer.
- Process theology is a constructive form of postmodern theology that engages in science, philosophy, and still attempts to wrestle with the ‘big’ questions like divine action, evil, etc. Joseph Bracken, a Catholic Process Theologian, shows exactly how this is possible in Does God Play Dice? For a simpler version check out Bracken’s book Christianity & Process Thought.
- Process theology has a framework that enables one to respond to the systemic crises we face as a planet be it economic or ecological. In John Cobb’s Spiritual Bankruptcy he argues that the plethora of justice issues are in fact related and can’t be managed by our present enlightenment operating system.
Bruce Epperly‘s Emerging Process: Adventurous Theology For a Missional Church is an excellent introduction for those from the emerging church conversation. Bruce is not only an excellent translator of Process Theology but he is also a church planter with a charismatic streak.
For your political fix check out John Cobb, David Ray Griffin, Catherine Keller, & Richard Faulk in The American Empire and the Commonwealth of God: A Political, Economic, Religious Statement. It’s an excellent book that will show just how Process theology connects its philosophical vision to the teachings of Jesus and our contemporary global challenges.
It may be a more difficult read than an intro but Creating Women’s Theology: A Movement Engaging Process Thought is an excellent display of brillant ladies rocking out with Whitehead. Good HBC Deacons will be familiar with Moncia Coleman and Marjorie Suchocki.
If you are going for real deal paper books you can check out my video bibliography, the links, & notes here.
