Rabbi Bradley Artson
God of Becoming and Relationship
A summary of Artson’s introduction, pp. xv – xvi:
Process Philosophy is a systematic approach to making sense of the world –
not just one aspect of it, but the world as a whole.
Process Theology integrates religion and science in a way that respects both disciplines as valid ways to relate to the world – and to each other.
Process methodology is based on the following convictions:
about the world:
* The world and God are expressions of continuous change, which is dynamic and relational.
* We and the world are not solid substances, but recurrent patterns of energy; we change continually, but also maintain continuity from moment to moment.
* To exist in this world is to be self-determining, interconnected, and creative to some degree.
* We relate to each and all creation instantaneously and intuitively, responding to the decisions of others – and to the events of the world around us – even as we ourselves are re-created in each instant.
* We are interconnected, each to each and each to all. Therefore, all creation has value and dignity.
about God:
* God is the One who makes all relationships possible. God creates the openness of a future of real novelty and the variety of its possibilities, and God relates to each of us in our particular individuality.
* God’s communication with human beings is a living, growing process. Therefore, God’s revelation is relational, ongoing, and continuous.
* God’s revelation calls us to make decisions which will maximize justice, compassion, and love.
* God’s primary mode of power is persuasive, not coercive. Therefore, we too are called to be persuasive, not coercive.
* God is the One who invites us – and empowers us – to make the best decisions for our personal flourishing and for our mutual flourishing.
* God invites us – and everything in the cosmos – to be co-creators in fashioning the present, out of the possibilities offered by the future, and out of the constraints imposed by the past.
About faith:
* Commitment to this creative process requires faithfulness, which rises above any faith (doctrine or creed).