Wm. Andrew Schwartz

Process Theology and the World’s Wisdom Traditions (1 credit)
Wm. Andrew Schwartz, professor
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Monday – Friday

No doubt, Process Theology has been developed most fully within the framework of progressive Christian (liberal) theology. As Gary Dorrien notes, “Whiteheadian process theology became the leading liberal school in the second half of the twentieth century” (The Making of American Liberal Theology, 190). However, many of the core principles of Process Thought are also found within other major Wisdom Traditions. This course will examine how process thought intersects with, and takes shape through 5 of the world’s religions (Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Christianity); exploring ways in which Process notions of power, knowledge, freedom, ultimacy, love, etc. are being expressed in each tradition. The course will be supplemented by guest speakers representing each of these faith traditions.

Wm. Andrew Schwartz is the Executive Director of the Center for Process Studies, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Toward Ecological Civilization, and  Managing Editor of Process Studies. Andrew earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion & Theology at Claremont Graduate University. His academic interests are broad, and include Comparative Religious Philosophies, Process Thought, Ecology, Education, and more. Recent courses he taught at Claremont School of Theology were “Relational Theologies: Methodism & Process” and “Chinese Philosophies in Process: Confucianism, Daoism, & Buddhism.”