This collection of essays explores convergences and divergences between process thought and Roman Catholicism with the goal of identifying reasons for why process philosophy and theology has not had the same impact in Roman Catholic circles as in Protestantism, and of constructively navigating avenues of promising engagement between Process thought and Roman Catholicism. In creatively considering the Roman Catholic tradition from the vantage point of Process thought, different theoretical perspectives are brought to bear on Catholic characteristics of historical theology, fundamental theology, systematic theology, moral theology, social justice, and theology of religions. While the contributors draw upon a broad range of resources from the disciplines of the physical and social sciences, philosophy, and ethics from a process perspective, the primary methodology employed is theological reflection.
This collection of essays explores convergences and divergences between process thought and Roman Catholicism with the goal of identifying reasons for why process philosophy and theology has not had the same impact in Roman Catholic circles as in Protestantism, and of constructively navigating avenues of promising engagement between Process thought and Roman Catholicism. In creatively considering the Roman Catholic tradition from the vantage point of Process thought, different theoretical perspectives are brought to bear on Catholic characteristics of historical theology, fundamental theology, systematic theology, moral theology, social justice, and theology of religions. While the contributors draw upon a broad range of resources from the disciplines of the physical and social sciences, philosophy, and ethics from a process perspective, the primary methodology employed is theological reflection.
Introduction: “Catholic Theology” by John B. Cobb, Jr.
Chapter 1: “Does Process Theology Rest on a Mistake?” by David B. Burrell, C. S. C.
Chapter 2: “Process Theology and the Catholic Theological Community” by J. J. Mueller, S. J.
Chapter 3: “Duns Scotus, Catholicity and the Roots of Process Thought” by Ilia Delio, O. S. F.
Chapter 4: “Charles Hartshorne and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition” by Daniel A. Dombrowski
Chapter 5: “A Catholic Approach to Process Philosophy” by Maria-Teresa Teixeira
Chapter 6: “Balancing Permanence and Change in a Systems-Oriented Metaphysics” by Joseph A. Bracken, S. J.
Chapter 7: “A Process Interpretation of Creatio ex Nihilo” by Thomas E. Hosinski, C. S. C.
Chapter 8: “Whitehead’s View on Incarnation and the Co-Inherence of God and the World” by Palmyre Oomen
Chapter 9: “The Eucharistic Experience: Process Theology and Sacramental Theology” by Thomas Schärtl
Chapter 10: “Babbling on About Pluralism: The Catholicity of Pluralism” by John Becker
Chapter 11: “Aquinas, Whitehead, and the Metaphysics of Morals: The Debate over Intrinsically Evil Acts” by Marc A. Pugliese
Chapter 12: “The Philosophy of Organism and Integral Ecology: Wisdom, Whitehead, and Pope Francis” by Leo D. Lefebure
Afterword: “Discovering Process (Again)” by Thomas P. Rausch, S. J.
Marc A. Pugliese is associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Leo University.
John Becker is assistant professor of philosophy in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas.
Featuring an illustrious gathering of theological voices with a
range of perspectives on the coherence of Catholicism and process
thought, this collection edited by Pugliese and Becker offers a
rich, diverse, and candid vision of the possibilities and pitfalls
of charting common ground between these presumably divergent
domains. Eminently readable in its theological depth, it presents a
balanced and enlightening treatment of such varied topics as
creation, Eucharist, morality, and ecology in the encounter of
Catholic and process thought. This compendium provides abundant
fare to nourish the ongoing conversation.
It is clear that religion needs metaphysics. But which one? The
problem of classical substance metaphysics lies in the phenomenon
of God's world immanence: How can two distinct substances - God and
world - be immanent to one another without merging into one? Here
process philosophy offers promising solution approaches. It is
therefore essential and urgent to explore the resources of process
thinking for Catholic theology. This book does so in an admirable
way - with prominent authors and with a broad thematic framework
that takes into account the historical roots and philosophical
foundations as well as a variety of specific systematic focal
points. Congratulations on this ambitious project!
Marc Pugliese and John Becker have brought together the most
prominent Catholic philosophers and theologians who have reflected
long and hard on Process thought to critically examine its place in
Catholic theology. Sandwiched between the thoughtful preface of the
premier Wesleyan Whiteheadian theologian John B. Cobb, Jr, and the
challenging envoy of the Jesuit theologian Thomas P. Rausch, these
essays leave no aspect of Catholic theology unturned. By no means
uncritically endorsing Process philosophy, these essays show how
various aspects of the Christian faith, both theoretical and
practical, can be illuminated by the emphasis of Process thought on
relation and change. Let's begin the conversation on this important
theme (again)!
Process Thought and Roman Catholicism is an innovative and timely
contribution to Catholic scholarship. It can be a particularly
exciting read for anyone interested in crossing borders between
Catholic discourse and process theology and philosophy. The reader
will rediscover neoclassical and non-dual forms of theism within
Catholic theology and ecclesiastical heritage. Inquiries on God,
humanity, liturgy, sacraments, religious pluralism, and creation
are likewise infused into Whiteheadian thought and will help the
reader reimagine theology.
The Catholic tradition of theology has always honored philosophy's
central role in theology. Clearly, therefore, it should welcome
process thought as an excellent additional philosophy to the
several other philosophies employed in Catholic
theology--especially on the understanding of God.
These readable chapters set forth a variety of ways in which
Catholic thought may be enriched by critical reflection on the
process philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead. After reading this
well-crafted collection of essays I am convinced that Catholic
theology in the age of science needs to listen more closely than
ever to what Whitehead and his interpreters have been saying about
the world and God during the past century.
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