Trinity and Process: A Critical Evaluation and Reconstruction of Hartshorne's Di-Polar Theism Towards a Trinitarian Metaphysics(119 American University Studies, Series 7: Theology & Religion)

The dominant metaphysical system in America this century has been process philosophy, of which the most prolific and persuasive advocate has been Charles Hartshorne. Traditional Christian thinkers, however, have consistently viewed this philosophy, and Hartshorne's thought in particular, as fundamentally incompatible with trinitarian theism.In this compelling work, Dr. Boyd moves beyond this impasse. Utilizing exhaustive research and critical acumen, he maintains that a reworked version of Hartshorne's process system actually provides the metaphysical grounding of trinitarian thought, at the same time preserving the advantages that have made process philosophy an attractive alternative to traditional Western substance ontology. The result is a remarkably creative trinitarian process metaphysics that provides a new perspective on both process thought and the traditional doctrine of the Trinity.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Part I of this work provides the most exhaustive critical treatment to date of Hartshorne's a priori metaphysical methodology and the six candidates for a priori truth which Hartshorne arrives at by this methodology. Part II provides the most exhaustive treatment to date of Hartshorne's six a priori proofs for God's existence which arise from his six a priori truths. On the basis of the critical assessment made of Hartshorne's six a priori truths in Part I, this work maintains throughout Part II that each of these six theistic arguments point not in the direction of a process di-polar view of God, but in the direction of a God who embodies relationality within Godself.

About the Author :
The Author: Gregory Boyd is an assistant professor of Theology at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his B.A. in philosophy from the University of Minnesota, his M. Div. from Yale University Divinity School, and his Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Boyd has presented numerous papers, produced several articles, and written Pentecostals Against the Trinity, on the relationship between trinitarian doctrine and non-trinitarian systems of thought. He is an ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and is a popular speaker on issues concerning the Evangelical Christian faith.

Review :
'Trinity and Process' is meticulous in detail, fair in attitude and approach, and represents a genuine contribution to the study of process theology. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the ongoing debate over the nature of God in contemporary theology and philosophy of religion. (Roger E. Olson, Bethel College)This is the most comprehensive and insightful study of Charles Hartshorne's thought to date. In addition to providing brilliant exposition and evaluation, the author also sets forth the highly significant thesis that the inner logic of Hartshorne's system is not only open to but indeed requires a trinitarian conception of God in order to be complete. No one who is interested in the interface between traditional Christianity and the process view of reality can afford to ignore this work. (Sang Hyun Lee, Princeton Seminary)Gregory Boyd has made a valuable contribution to contemporary philosophical theology. He provides a remarkably comprehensive exposition of Charles Hartshorne's analysis of the a priori conditions of rationality and the doctrine of divine bi-polarity which is derived from this analysis. Boyd's work deserves the attention of both neo-classical process and classical trinitarian theologians. (Daniel L. Migliore, Princeton Seminary)