Celebrating the Life & Thought of John Cobb

Jan 21, 2025

Philip Clayton, a close friend and former PhD advisor to Tripp Fuller, shares heartfelt memories of the groundbreaking theologian John Cobb in this touching discussion. They explore Cobb's profound influence on process theology and eco-theology, highlighting his innovative approach to bridging diverse viewpoints. Personal anecdotes reveal Cobb's warmth and commitment to teaching, while reflections on his environmental activism show his global impact. The conversation serves as a celebration of Cobb’s legacy and inspiration for future theological exploration.

01:39:35

forum

Ask episode

view_agenda

Chapters

menu_book

Books

auto_awesome

Transcript

info_circle

Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 2min

chevron_right

Honoring the Legacy of a Theological Pioneer

02:23 • 4min

chevron_right

Bridging Perspectives

06:40 • 8min

chevron_right

Influence and Legacy in Theology

14:31 • 7min

chevron_right

Theological Transformation and Ecological Concerns

21:06 • 23min

chevron_right

Exploring Immortality: Whitehead and Cobb

44:11 • 18min

chevron_right

The Art of Engaging Theology: A Teacher's Insight

01:02:01 • 2min

chevron_right

Intellectual Dialogues and Theological Explorations

01:04:12 • 22min

chevron_right

Cobb's Environmental Activism and Global Impact

01:25:59 • 9min

chevron_right

Celebrating Legacy and Community through John Cobb's Work

80-page book for small groups at a church to discuss prayer and the problem of evil

John Cobb

Can Christ Become Good News Again?

John Cobb

The Earthless: A Challenge to Economism

John Cobb

#32777

The liberation of life

From the Cell to the Community

Structures of Christian Existence

John Cobb

Is It Too Late? A Theology of Ecology

John Cobb

Eco-philosophy book

John Cobb

John Cobb's best theological writing

John Cobb

Christ in a Pluralistic Age

John Cobb

Spiritual bankruptcy

a prophetic call to action

A Christian Natural Theology

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Disciplines

Upper Room

#2469

• Mentioned in 10 episodes

The resurrection of the Son of God

N. T. Wright

N. T. Wright's "The Resurrection of the Son of God" is a comprehensive theological and historical study of the resurrection of Jesus. It delves into various interpretations and critiques of the event, examining the historical context and the significance of the resurrection for Christian faith. Wright meticulously analyzes biblical texts and scholarly perspectives, offering a robust defense of the resurrection's historicity. The book challenges traditional views and proposes a fresh understanding of the resurrection's implications for the present and future. It's a landmark work in New Testament scholarship, influencing discussions on the nature of faith and the historical Jesus.

#12514

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

For the Common Good

Redirecting the Economy toward Community, the Environment, and a Sustainable Future

Herman Daly

John Cobb

In this book, economist Herman E. Daly and theologian John B. Cobb, Jr., argue that conventional economics and a growth-oriented industrial economy have led to environmental disaster. They propose a new economic model that emphasizes community, environmental sustainability, and a holistic approach to economic policy. The authors suggest policies such as taxing industrial polluters, worker participation in management and ownership, reduced military spending, and a more self-sufficient national economy. The book is recognized for its comprehensive critique of neoclassical economic theory and its vision for a sustainable market guided by values and emotions as well as rational economic thought.

#171

• Mentioned in 74 episodes

Confessions

Augustine

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

#13093

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Salvation

Dr. Michael Barber

God in the World

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

We just lost John Cobb months before his 100th birthday. In this episode, Philip Clayton joins me for a conversation to celebrate his life and thought. My relationship with John started as the author of a book that changed my life (God & the World). Then, I got to take a summer school class with him in Claremont before Divinity School. When I moved to LA for my PhD he invited me and my family to lunch. Over the years in SoCal we had many meals and conversations together. We have recorded over 30 hours of conversation and taught two classes together. Beyond being a creative, brilliant, and ground-breaking scholar, John was a deeply passionate and compassionate disciple of Jesus. When friends ask about his picture with me, I say "That's John freaking Cobb, and he's my Gandalf." The last time we got to hang he introduced me as his friend (and said this in front of a bunch of people).

I recently edited a book of John Cobb's best theological writing from across his career, including some excellent introductory chapters for people new to Process theology. Check it out.

You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube

Dr. John B. Cobb, Jr. 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.

Previous Episodes with John Cobb

Why Stay Christian?
John Cobb turns 97
Secularizing Christianity
JC on JC: a conversation with John Cobb and Tom Oord on Jesus
Why Whitehead?
John Cobb goes to #TheologyBeerCamp
LIVE from Vancouver with Sallie McFague and John Cobb
How Modern Metaphysics Killed God
Have Yourself a John Cobb Advent!
Christology and Process Theology
Why Metaphysics Matters
Prayer & Process with John Cobb
Theology for the People: Keller, Cobb and God

Lexington Theological Seminary is the sponsor for this Episode.

Lexington Theological Seminary is a pioneer in online theological education. Both the Doctoral and Masters programs are designed with the flexibility and contextual focus needed for the working student. You can learn more by heading here.

Here are a few episodes with a couple of their Profs

Leah Schade & Wilson Dickinson: Faith During an Ecological Collapse
Leah Schade: Preaching in a time of Crisis from Corona to Climate
Wilson Dickinson: Faith After a Neo-liberal Compliant Church

_____________________

Join my Substack - Process This!

Join our class - TRUTH IN TOUGH TIMES: Global Voices of Liberation

Spend a week with Tripp & Andrew Root in Bonhoeffer’s House in Berlin this June as part of the Rise of Bonhoeffer Travel Learning Experience. INFO & DETAILS HERE

Get access to over 45 of our online classes at TheologyClass.com

Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home Top podcasts Popular guests Top books