First United Methodist Church - Fort Collins, CO

I have wanted to do a series of sermons on some of the theologies that have been important to me over the years. One of the most important perspectives I have read involves something called “Process Theology” and the theologian I am looking at this week is Henry Nelson Wieman.

Wieman believes that there is a creative and transforming presence in the world. He is convinced that a primary part of the Christian faith is the idea that God is at work within the matrix of each of our lives, and that we each have a major responsibility to respond to that creative and transformative force.

One of the most interesting observations Wieman makes is the suggestion that every person is important. He understands that history seems to be changed by the select and gifted few. Those of us who are not the movers and shakers of history may come to feel that we are not important in the scheme of things. Wieman disagrees. He puts forth the idea that, while change happens because of the actions and interactions of a few who are at the right place at the right time and who have gifts and graces to make the changes, he also points out that the pivitol people in history are often those who feed off the intuitions of the masses. There may be a few who move history forward or backward, but every person is a part of the process of that movement. 

 There is a creative and transformative power alive in the world. It is acting on each of us and it is inviting us to take our place and participate in making the world the kind of world God needs and wants it to be.

The Biblical texts come from Acts of the Apostles where Peter ministers to a woman whose name is Tabitha. She is ill and Peter pays her a visit. He simply says to her, “Tabitha arise”. The creative and transformative power is with him and with her.

Revelation speaks of the time when there will be no weeping and when God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Revelation, the last book in the Bible, reminds us that there is a creative and transformative power in life. 

Process Theologians understand God in the midst of life giving us hope and encouragement to move forward and to become co-creators with God.

 Have you experienced this in your life? Has there ever been a time when you felt there was something pulling you toward a greater sense of goodness and mercy? What are your experiences of this? Has there ever been a time when we have needed to be put in touch with this than a time like this when things seem so strange and tragic? What does the creative and transformative presence have to do with such things as the shooting at Virginia Tech?

I’d like to hear from you. Write me at Charlesschuster@fcfumc.net and if you are willing to allow others from the congregation to view your response click below the “comments” box. I look forward to hearing from you.

Charles