Homebrewed Christianity

Religion in the Making: Where Evolution Turns Up the Volume on Value

Nov 7, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Andrew M. Davis, a prominent process philosopher and theologian, sheds light on Alfred North Whitehead's thoughts captured in "Religion in the Making." Davis reveals why these lectures serve as an accessible entry to process thought. The conversation delves into Whitehead's life transitions, the influence of personal tragedy on his philosophy, and critiques of reductionist views on religion. They explore the vital role of value in existence and how evolution enhances our understanding of religious experiences, highlighting the intertwined nature of meaning and perception.
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INSIGHT

Value Is Built Into Reality

  • Whitehead reframes reality as "what matters," making value fundamental rather than a human add-on.
  • Evolution amplifies preexisting relational depth into richer experiential and religious life.
INSIGHT

Religion Amplifies Particular Encounters

  • Religion, for Whitehead, organizes practices that orient us toward enduring values revealed in intense individual instances.
  • These traditions generalize particular moments into norms that guide communal interpretation and action.
INSIGHT

Consciousness Emerges From A Depth Dimension

  • Conscious perceptions emerge from a deeper "iceberg" of related connectedness rather than being primary.
  • That depth can break through as religious or mystical experiences when evolution turns up its volume.
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