A Process Theology of Hope: The Counter Apocalyptic Vision of Catherine Keller

Brian Macallan

doi:10.3390/rel10100584

Abstract

Christianity continues to decline in the traditional west, yet is at the same time experiencing significant growth in the majority world. Research indicates that by 2060 the portion of those who identify as non-religious will decline significantly across the globe. Christianity in the future will largely be dominated by an apocalyptic eschatology that has the potential to disengage Christians from our current planetary crisis. Catherine Keller has developed a counter-apocalyptic vision that challenges traditional eschatology in its potential to disconnect faith from the planet’s most urgent challenges. Keller attacks a key facet of apocalyptic eschatology that enshrines an omnipotent deity. Her approach is evaluated within the broader process-relational theology from which she has emerged, particularly that influenced by Whitehead. It is argued that her eschatological alternative is best placed to offer a vision that enables Christians to take the earth seriously, to generate a chastened and realistic hope, grounded in a process relational ontology.

Highlights

Hope is a key biblical theme in both the first and second testaments
The sage of proverbs tells us that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12), while the apostle Paul argues that hope is one of big three, along with love and faith (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Keller’s proposal, needs to be examined against the backdrop of both the growth of religion worldwide ( Christianity) and its dominant eschatological outlook. This provides the context for demonstrating the importance of an alternate eschatological hope grounded in a rejection of omnipotence and omniscience

Summary

Introduction

Hope is a key biblical theme in both the first and second testaments. The sage of proverbs tells us that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12), while the apostle Paul argues that hope is one of big three, along with love and faith (1 Corinthians 13:13). The specific brand of Christian belief of the future is likely to be captured by an eschatological outlook that absolves us from taking responsibility for the earth and the significant challenges we are facing. It is apocalyptic in its outlook, being driven by an understanding of God where God is both all-powerful and all-knowing. Keller’s proposal, needs to be examined against the backdrop of both the growth of religion worldwide ( Christianity) and its dominant eschatological outlook This provides the context for demonstrating the importance of an alternate eschatological hope grounded in a rejection of omnipotence and omniscience. This will form the hope that generates Keller’s response to what she believes is the current planetary emergency

Eschatology and the Growth of Religion

Rejecting the Apocalypse and Omnipotence

Panentheism and Process

A process Eschatology for Earth’s Future

Findings

Conclusions