JC on JC: a conversation with John Cobb and Tom Oord on Jesus #BarrelAged
Feb 22, 2020
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In a captivating dialogue, John Cobb, a leading scholar in Process Theology, and Tom Oord, a prominent figure in modern theological discussions, dive into intricate topics surrounding Jesus and faith. They reimagine Christology through process thought and critique traditional views of the kingdom of God, proposing more inclusive frameworks. Their reflection on personal journeys through military service and interfaith insights highlights the enriching impact of diverse beliefs. This engaging conversation promises to stimulate thoughts on spirituality and community.
Process theology reinterprets Christology by emphasizing a dynamic understanding of reality that moves beyond rigid classical definitions of Jesus' identity.
The podcast highlights the critical role of language in expressing theological ideas, illustrating how it can both convey experiences and create misunderstandings.
Engaging in interfaith dialogue within process theology fosters mutual respect and learning, enriching individual faith experiences while maintaining core beliefs.
Deep dives
Exploring Process Theology and Christology
Process theology offers a unique perspective on Christology by breaking away from modern metaphysical constraints. It challenges the Aristotelian notion of substance that dominates traditional Christian creeds, arguing for a more dynamic understanding of reality that better aligns with biblical thought. This perspective suggests that contemporary interpretations of Christology can benefit from the insights of process thought, allowing for a more significant engagement with Jesus’ identity without being bound by the rigid definitions present in classical formulations. Understanding Christ through a process lens invites deeper reflections on the relationship between Jesus' humanity and divinity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence.
The Role of Language in Theology
The conversation emphasizes the importance of language in articulating theological concepts within Christianity. Distinguishing between language and reality is crucial; while language refers to real experiences, it is inherently limited and can lead to misunderstandings. The idea of a 'perfect dictionary' is rejected, highlighting the complexities of communication and meaning in theological discourse. This nuanced understanding of language allows for richer discussions in the context of diverse religious traditions and the ongoing evolution of religious beliefs.
Interfaith Dialogue and Pluralism
Engaging in interfaith dialogue is framed as a necessary and enriching endeavor within process theology, as it promotes respect and understanding among different faith traditions. The dialogues often reveal that insights gained from other religious perspectives can enhance one's own faith experience without diminishing the centrality of their beliefs. Acknowledging the wisdom present in Buddhism, for instance, offers valuable contributions to discussions about spirituality and community, while fostering deeper connections among practitioners of varying backgrounds. Building friendships across religious lines is key to mutual understanding and cooperative learning.
Miracles and Divine Action
The discussion around miracles, such as the resurrection of Lazarus and the implications of Jesus’ resurrection, reveals nuanced interpretations of divine action that resist coercive understandings of God's power. Rather than viewing miracles as supernatural interruptions of the natural order, they are framed as manifestations of God's persuasive influence within the world. This perspective invites a re-evaluation of biblical accounts by embracing the complexity of human experience and divine interactions. The process theology approach recognizes the potential for divine presence in all events, emphasizing the relational dynamics between God, Jesus, and humanity.
Rethinking the Kingdom of God
The podcast explores alternative interpretations of the term 'kingdom of God,' steering away from hierarchical connotations typically associated with 'kingdom' to embrace more communal and relational frameworks. This involves recognizing that Jesus' message of a kingdom speaks to love, mutual support, and the well-being of the community rather than governance in the traditional sense. Such a redefined understanding enhances the relevance of Jesus’ teachings in contemporary contexts, promoting a vision of inclusivity and collaboration. Emphasizing community welfare through concepts like 'commonwealth' aligns closely with Jesus' vision of a world shaped by love and compassion.
This is a super special conversation between two preeminent scholars and dear friends. Two friends of the podcast gathered in Claremont a few years back as part of the Emergent Village Theological Conversation on Process Theology and this gem of a conversation happened! John Cobb and Tom Oord discuss Jesus and a number of other goodies.
This barrel aged edition of the podcast is here so I can share episodes from the last 12 years no longer available in the podcast feed for your nerdy listening pleasure.
Also if you enjoy the conversation then you should totally come join the upcoming reading group with John Cobb on Alfred North Whitehead's Process and Reality. In this series of lectures John Cobb will provide an introduction to one of the most compelling and challenging philosophical texts of the Twentieth Century. Process and Reality is a notoriously difficult text, but the goal of this course is to enable students to not only skim the surface but probe its deeper dimensions. With his decades of experience as a scholar and teacher of Whitehead, Cobb will elucidate the major themes and illuminate the major concepts in a way that is accessible to anyone.
