John Cobb is a renowned theologian celebrated for his contributions to process theology and Christology. In this engaging conversation, Cobb explores the concept of incarnation beyond Jesus, emphasizing God's continuous presence in human history. He critiques consumerism during Advent and reflects on the profound meanings of hope. The discussion also bridges the perspectives of Christianity and Buddhism, urging interfaith understanding while highlighting the importance of supportive communities in fostering spiritual connections.
The podcast emphasizes a re-examination of the Incarnation, contrasting its selfless nature with the pervasive consumerism of modern culture.
Process theology offers a renewed understanding of God's relationship with humanity, suggesting divine presence is woven into everyday experiences for everyone.
Deep dives
Engaging with Large Questions
The podcast tackles fundamental philosophical and theological questions that have persisted throughout human history, such as the nature of self, purpose, and truth. It emphasizes a collaborative approach, inviting scholars from various disciplines to share their insights and engage listeners in thoughtful discourse. Through this intellectual exploration, the show encourages a deeper understanding of concepts like the divine and human experience, avoiding prescriptive answers in favor of shared reasoning. This method fosters a community of learners who reflect collectively on life's profound queries.
Incarnation and Consumerism
The discussion highlights a conflict between the traditional Christian understanding of the Incarnation and the modern culture of consumerism. The doctrine of Incarnation suggests that God's presence serves humanity by promoting selflessness, contrasting sharply with the self-serving nature of consumerism, which many treat as a primary religion today. Engaging with this theological perspective invites listeners to reconsider the true significance of Christmas and Advent beyond mere materialistic celebrations. By serving others, as modeled by Jesus, individuals can cultivate a more meaningful and authentic expression of their faith in a consumer-driven world.
Process Theology's Unique Perspective
The conversation explores how process theology provides a fresh understanding of God's presence, emphasizing the continuous relationship between the divine and humanity throughout history. This perspective suggests that God is intrinsically linked to our everyday experiences and is not confined to a singular event or individual, which allows for a broader interpretation of the Incarnation. Furthermore, it asserts that the unique nature of Jesus' experience reveals a deeper connection to the divine, affirming his significance while acknowledging God's presence in all people. This approach opens up new avenues for understanding salvation and truth without succumbing to absolutism or relativism.
I am beyond excited about the upcoming class with our guest in this episode - John Cobb. This is the very first interview I ever recorded with Cobb and in it we discuss a process account of the incarnation, Kin-dom of God, and other Christological goodies.
You will likely notice how my accent has changed in the last 12 years of podcasting and moves from North Carolina to Los Angeles and then to Edinburgh.
John Cobb taught theology at the Claremont School of Theology from 1958 to 1990. In 2014 he became the first theologian elected to the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences for his interdisciplinary work in ecology, economics, and biology. He has published over 30 books including the first full length text in eco-philosophy.
In 1973, with David Griffin, he established the Center for Process Studies. In retirement he lives at Pilgrim Place in Claremont, California. Throughout his career he has contributed to Whitehead scholarship and promoted process-relational programs and organizations. Most recently, he helped found the Claremont Institute for Process Studies, and has been heavily involved in supporting work toward the goal of China becoming an ecological civilization.