This course was originally held in the fall of 2022, and was the second in a series of five that were part of our '22 - '23 certificate program.
Exploring Core Christian Doctrines and Themes
from a Process Perspective
This course provides a basic introduction to key ideas in process thought, specifically as they are applicable to Christian theological categories. Topics will include major doctrines and encourage students’ own participation in the ongoing process of reconstructing major doctrines, ideas, and issues through the lens of process theology, with practical applications to ministry.
Attend the live class sessions
or work at your own pace.
Course Description
All Christian theologies attempt to grapple meaningfully with questions of the divine, of humankind, of the world, and of the relationship between them. This course addresses these questions by adopting a threefold framework for the study of process theology in the Christian context: cosmology, theology, and anthropology.
Topics will include such doctrines as the nature of God, the person of Jesus, the Christological doctrines of incarnation and resurrection, theological anthropology, and the problem of evil. The approach, however, will be less systematic and more constructive; that is, students will be encouraged to participate in the ongoing process of reconstructing major doctrines, themes, and issues from a process perspective and from the student’s own tradition.
The course will conclude with practical applications of process theology to spiritual practices, such as prayer, and explore ways that process ideas can infuse all aspects of ministry, including sermons, liturgies, pastoral care, and even committee meetings.
“Tradition is like the crest of a wave always pushing forward. Faithfulness to a tradition is not gained through treading water in repetition of some aspect of the past, but through swimming with the crest into fresh interpretations of God’s gracious presence with us.”
–Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki, In God’s Presence
Course Outline
- Session 1: Cosmology: Process Philosophy in Theological Context; Process Metaphysics for Poets
- Session 2: Theology (part 1): The Nature of God; God as Creator; Revelation
- Session 3: Theology (part 2): The Person of Jesus; Christ as Creative Transformation; Incarnation
- Session 4: Anthropology (part 1): The Problems of Sin and Evil; The Question of Life After Death
- Session 5: Anthropology (part 2): Spirituality; Sacramental, Ethical, and Communal Living
About the Instructor
Jeanyne Slettom is the Publisher and Editor of Process Century Press. Before launching the press in 2013, she taught at Claremont School of Theology and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She was Director of Process & Faith from 2005-2013, editor of Creative Transformation (2001-2013) and managing editor of Process Studies (2005-2013). She is the editor of two books by John Cobb, The Process Perspective and The Process Perspective II. Jeanyne completed her Ph.D. at Claremont Graduate University in Philosophy of Religion and Theology. She also holds degrees from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and Macalester College, St. Paul, MN. She lives and works on the banks of the Mississippi River.
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Suggested Price
- Lifetime access to session recordings
- Receive early notification of future courses
- Watch live or follow your own schedule
- Interact with class members via discussion forums
- * Contribute whatever you feel the course is worth or whatever you can afford to help support this and other programs like it. No one is turned down for lack of funds.
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