♦ Last Updated on September 8, 2025 ♦
Tom F. here. It is my understanding that some of the essential teachings of the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon align well with what is called process theology or process theism!
Read On, Free Download Below…
Process theology is a theological movement that emerged in the 20th century, primarily associated with philosopher Alfred North Whitehead and theologian Charles Hartshorne. It presents a dynamic understanding of God and reality that contrasts with traditional classical theism.
The late Rev. Moon was a gifted orator and busy activist, motivated and guided by fresh revelations and deep insights into the conditions of a suffering God. He lived not by a static, unchanging, eternal, and absolute “Truth,” but by a distinct moral and spiritual “true narrative” of considerable motivational power.
However, the Unification teachings as communicated before Rev. Moon’s passing — including doctrines and historical metaphors borrowed from classical Christianity — now appear to lack the conceptual coherence, brevity, and clarity necessary to address the doubts of modern minds. Process theology offers some succinct propositions in response to nagging questions I certainly had. Gracefully, process theology’s sayings do not appeal to outdated Augustinian notions, such as the Fall of Adam and Eve, sin, and salvation. Today, we know that the Earth is not flat. Can the Unification teachings continue to move on?
Please join me in giving process theology at least a moment!
The 5 Core Ideas of Process Theology
1. God as Dipolar
Rather than being unchanging and unaffected by the world, God has two aspects – a primordial nature (eternal and unchanging) and a consequent nature (temporal and responsive to the world). This means God both influences and is influenced by creation.
2. Reality as Process
Everything in existence, including God, is understood as being in constant process and becoming rather than a static being. Reality consists of “actual occasions” of experience that are constantly emerging and perishing.
3. Divine Persuasion vs. Coercion
God influences the world through persuasion and lure rather than through coercive power. This addresses the problem of evil by suggesting God cannot simply override creaturely freedom to prevent suffering.
4. Panentheism
The world exists within God, though God is more than the world. This creates an intimate relationship between God and creation while maintaining God’s transcendence.
5. Temporal God
Unlike classical theism’s eternal God existing outside time, process theology’s God experiences temporal succession and genuinely relates to historical events.
Process theology has been influential in addressing modern theological challenges like the problem of evil, science-religion dialogue, and environmental ethics. However, it has also faced criticism from more traditional theologians who argue it compromises God’s sovereignty and transcendence. The movement has found particular resonance in Protestant liberal theology and has influenced various denominations, particularly within Methodism and the United Church of Christ.
Process Theology Matters for Pastoral Ministry
For those still interested, I got Claude AI to write a vital 5-page essay entitled “Process Theology: A Pastor’s Guide to Understanding God’s Dynamic Nature.” The essay is downloadable free of charge with the click of a button.
This comprehensive 5-page essay on process theology is specifically crafted for pastors, folks who are called to witness, and parents daring to raise their kids.
Download, Read, and Share the Essay
Read it and restore a spring in your step!
The Essay covers
- Introduction – Setting the context and explaining why process theology matters for pastoral ministry
- Philosophical Foundation – Explaining the core concept of reality as process rather than substance
- Process Understanding of God – Covering God’s dipolar nature and persuasive rather than coercive power
- Suffering and Evil – Addressing one of the most pastorally relevant aspects
- Prayer and Divine Action – Practical implications for spiritual practices
- Pastoral Applications – How this theology can enhance ministry
- Challenges and Limitations – Honest assessment of potential concerns
- Conclusion – Tying it all together for practical ministry
The essay is written in accessible language while maintaining theological depth, focusing on practical implications for pastoral care, preaching, and counseling. It acknowledges both the benefits and challenges of process theology, helping pastors make informed decisions about how these insights might inform their ministry.
Further Readings
https://www.religion-online.org/article/process-theology/
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/process-theism
Looking Forward
Stay put! I’ll be writing more about theistic existentialism and social ontology in the near future.