Divisions create Deviations -Process Theism

I just discovered a new term recently — “Process Theology,” otherwise known as “Process Theism.”

“Process theism does not deny that God is in some respects eternal, immutable, and impassible, but it contradicts the classical view by insisting that God is in some respects temporal, mutable, and passible” (1)

“Specifically, process theism is a product of theorizing that takes the categories of becoming, change, and time as foundational for metaphysics. The metaphysical underpinning of process theism is often called process philosophy,” (1)

“Process Theology departs from traditional Christian beliefs mainly because of its view of the nature of God and His relationship to the universe. Many critics relate this deviance to the low view of Scripture held by Process Theologians who by and large deny the divine inspiration of the Bible. Others critique Process Theology as panentheism which says that God is to the world as a soul is to a body. It is believed that God is not the universe as in pantheism, but that God is apart from the universe, yet also in it. As the world is in the process of changing, so is God, and he is in the process of becoming all that he can be.” (2)

So I’m not even going to touch that yet.

I ran into this new to me term from an article that blew my mind with what the person was saying about God and miracles. To each their own, but they used the word “christian” to describe themselves, and I do lower case that because this is not Christianity.

Here’s what I started thinking.

First — why? Why are so many people willing to do this? This isn’t a divide and conquer situation here, yes, we can absolutely disagree on some minor things in the Bible, but we should be united in God at the same time. 

But this labeling crap is just to much. We aren’t “like-minded” anymore; there is so much division, personal opinions, lack of even basic Bible reading, and satan galore taking advantage of all this division.

The Harm.

There is such harm to be had with these labels, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked what my religion is, and I answer “Christian,” “follower of Jesus” or “believer” only to be hounded with more questions and sometimes demands as to what denomination or belief system I adhere to.

 Why can’t I just be a Christian who reads the Bible?

I don’t follow any doctrine, and I didn’t make up my own either; I simply read the Bible. More recently-ish, I commented on an article, and the person commented back, “With these sentiments, you might be a Baptist and not know it.”

I was so confused. First, my profession is not baptizing people; second, my comment was Biblical, not an opinion; third, I know dang well what I am. I don’t need someone tossing a label at me. Isn’t that getting old by now?

Too many times, I have encountered people who define themselves by one of the many definitions and labels out there and just sort of stay locked in that definition's dogma without wanting to venture further and have a full-blown relationship with God.

Sad to see that, and the division it’s causing among Christians worldwide.

You know who just loves division and can really do some work with it?

ChatGPT

Satan.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” Romans 16:17

Division creates deviation.

These constant and increasing divisions/labels only cause further and further deviations away from the Bible, which means you get further and further away from God and the Truth. 

The further away you get from Biblical teachings, the more you are in the running for the next top false teaching, and can not lump yourself into the Christian category any longer. 

“deny the divine inspiration of the Bible”

“As the world is in the process of changing, so is God, and he is in the process of becoming all that he can be.”

That ☝🏻 is not following Christ; that is not Biblical. Period.

Now I don’t claim to know everything in the Bible, and I definitely have stuff I’m still working out, I’m fine with, because that will come in due time when the Lord knows I’m ready. 

I also have no qualms about calling out stuff that is not Biblical, using common sense, and the Bible to do so. Not to cause division but to point out the obvious, call out loads of barnacles out there, and hopefully inspire searching out God and truth for yourself.

But please, can we stop with the division already? When someone answers that they are a Christian, be happy that they found the Lord! You may have just met the next person you both are to learn from.

We don’t need labels to feel special; we are already special and precious to God.

© Jane Isley

(1) Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Process Theism.

(2) Theopedia: Process theology

---

Thank you for taking the time to read, and please consider supporting my work. Your gift helps keep this work going, blesses others, and means the world to me.

You can visit me at Faithful Writers on Medium, where other Christian writers have joined me in sharing the word of God. You can also find me on Tumblr and Facebook.