Bracken, Joseph A., S.J. Christianity and Process Thought: Spirituality for a Changing World. Philadelphia: Templeton Foundation Press, 2006.

Abstract

"If someone were to ask, 'Where is God,' how would you respond?" Joseph A. Bracken, S.J., uses this question as a springboard to introduce his own approach to the process-relational metaphysics of Alfred North Whitehead, a distinguished mathematician, theoretical physicist, and a 1927 Gifford Lecturer. Bracken seeks a broader harmony between Whitehead's philosophy and basic Christian beliefs "to the advantage of both faith and reason." Considered one of the most original thinkers of the twentieth century, Whitehead proposed a process-oriented approach to reality - a model in which God is involved in an ongoing, ever-changing relationship with all creatures, sharing our world in a way that is logically impossible for the somewhat distant, unchanging God of classical Thomistic philosophy and theology. Bracken contrasts Whitehead's metaphysics with that of many other contemporary philosophers and theologians to illuminate scripture passages and examine conventional Christian beliefs about God and our relationship with God, both as individuals and as a worshiping community. Bracken concludes his study with an argument for a new understanding of the God-world relationship in which all creatures come forth from the Triune God and return to God as members of an all-embracing cosmic community.