Before I ever applied for a Ph.D. program at Claremont School of Theology, I was aware that CST was primarily known for its work in process theology. I had heard of John B. Cobb, David Ray Griffin, Philip Clayton and the Center for Process Studies, but that was about it. During my graduate studies at Boston University’s School of Theology (another School of Theology sponsored by the United Methodist Church) I had read portions of A.N. Whitehead’s Process and Reality,... Read more
God is active in every story, and as such, He is often the invisible Character. Part of being a follower of Christ is becoming more and more acutely aware that God is a part of every aspect of our lives. That God is moving, crafting us, showing us grace and mercy; that God is with us in joy and sorrows, in victories and defeats. People may doubt the claims of the Gospel, but the one thing they can’t doubt and... Read more
They say only love can break your heart. Since I first got the news of Richard’s heart attack, like you, my heart has been broken. But, it also feels like my whole life has been broken, or like one of my legs has been cut off. Richard’s Lakota name was translated “He Stands With His People” but there were many ways in which Richard helped me to stand. We began phone calls and emails 16 years ago. We were both... Read more
I never was a fanboy of Rob Bell. I read Velvet Elvis a long time ago, but the only thing I remember was that many evangelicals were mad at him back then. I’ve only seen a few of the Nooma videos. Beyond that, I didn’t really know much about him. Until Love Wins. I really liked that book, despite not really agreeing with much of it at the time. I guess I felt like Bell was moving the Christian conversation... Read more
Some thoughts on prayer about which I’d love to hear from you. http://dougpagittradio.com/prayer-letters Read more
For those of us coming out of the conservative Evangelical background, the rediscovery of the Christian calendar has inspired many of us to participate in the sacred rhythm that the calendar affords. Two seasons in particular seem to show a resurgence: one being Advent, the other being Lent. As a kid growing up I had no idea what Mardi Gras (or Carnival) was all about. I would see the pictures on TV and wonder what would inspire such revelry? It... Read more
Welcome to our first official video project! Please take a few minutes and watch the following intro video: (I recorded and uploaded this video to YouTube in about five minutes. It’s super easy to do!) For reference, here are the questions I listed: What is gained by embracing a process approach toward reality that would not be gained via other approaches? What kinds of questions does process answer that cannot be answered by a rigid naturalism? What are some of... Read more
i find myself locked inside this concrete maze to fulfill some ill-conceived expectation chained to the conversations of ten thousand people saying nothing together in bizarre concert my heart screams in silence escape…find the earth and let her hold you before peace is illusive and honor can not be claimed. **** the hostile city lights reflect against store front mirrors preaching the obscene echoes of obtrusive billboards my eyes squint as they wound my soul and i stand dizzy... Read more
A couple of weeks ago, Tony Jones posted an introductory video to a new book by Geoff Holsclaw and David Fitch called Prodigal Christianity. I posted my initial thoughts, and then began a conversation with Geoff about the book via email. I told Geoff that I would read the rest of the book, and then try to write a review. But, once I got the book and starting reading it, it felt like I was being taken back in time... Read more
In my last post on another blog, “Feminism and Religion: Where Do I stand?” I talked about how I support an atheistic, secular, and liberal feminism that criticizes organized religion and certain religious beliefs. I figured that having a brief interview with a woman who holds these sorts of views would be a good way to introduce them to this blog. I met Anondah Saide at a course at Claremont Graduate University titled, “Evolution, Economics, and the Brain,” taught by... Read more
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