Louisville Process Theology Network

Practicing Process Theology

Dec 07, 2005

How do we put process theology to actual practice? Some might say that Quakers have already been doing this for a long time.

About forty years ago, economist, systems scientist, and Quaker, Kenneth Boulding, identified three fundamental principles of process thinking which he traced to the development of Quakerism in the 1600s.

The Quakers of that time were said to be persistent, sometimes stubborn, honest and practical minded. Whether accurate or not, these characteristics appear to be reflected in three elements of the Quaker approach to theology.

a. Perfectionism -- Historically, Quakers have believed that perfection is a realistic goal in life. Some have termed this goal "salvation by character." Other denominations are sometimes criticized for over-emphasizing salvation in Heaven. The Quaker refusal to participate in war is said to be an example of this belief in perfection.

Today, business leaders seem to have borrowed this old idea and put into every day practice based on the modern business theories of "quality management" and "continuous improvement."

b. Experimentalism -- First hand experience is said by Quakers to be the only true source of religion. This means that perfection cannot be accomplished just by studying and praying. You have to "practice what you preach" as the cliche'
goes.

There a sense among Quakers that change happens by building new on top of old foundations. Old ideas are not rejected so much as they are improved by our actual experiences. Today, we know this as evolutionary change, as contrasted with revolutionary change. The first kind of
change is thought to be peaceable while the second kind seems too often to resort to violence.

c. Continuing Revelation -- Applying their beliefs in perfection and experimentalism, Quaker organizations typically write down their principles and practices and update them periodically. These charters were originally termed "books of discipline", but in more recent times they are usually called "books of faith and practice." This process of recording and updating principles and practices is commonly known as "continuing revelation."

Boulding saw these Quaker elements reflected in modern scientific methodology as hypothesis, expermentation, and the development of scientific theory. He believed the relationship between Quakerism and modern science was symbiotic, each drawing insights from other. More traditional denominations did not attempt to interact with science until the 20th century, he noted.