What can we learn by combining the wisdom of two major theological pioneers of the 20th century?

The God of the Growing Edge: Whitehead and Thurman on Theology, Spirituality, and Social Change explores the intersecting spiritual visions of two such towering figures: Alfred North Whitehead, the eminent philosopher and process theologian, and Howard Thurman, the influential African American mystic, theologian, and civil rights leader. This book offers a timely resource for contemplative activists seeking a deeper integration of spirituality and social transformation in our turbulent times.

While Whitehead, a privileged white academic, developed an intricate metaphysical system describing a dynamic and relational universe, Thurman, experiencing firsthand the brutal realities of racism and injustice, articulated a profound mystical theology centered on empathy, social action, and the inherent worth of every individual. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, both converged on a vision of God as a dynamic presence intimately involved in the world’s unfolding.

Whitehead’s process theology portrays God not as a static, distant sovereign but as a fellow sufferer who understands, a “poet of the universe” luring creation toward greater beauty, truth, and goodness. God is the ultimate empath, valuing every moment of experience and nurturing the freedom and creativity of all beings. This dynamic vision challenges static, authoritarian images of God that have fueled division and injustice throughout history.

Thurman, deeply influenced by his experience of growing up in the Jim Crow South, emphasized the inherent dignity of every person as bearing the image of God. His mystical spirituality, shaped by the wisdom of the spirituals and the courageous witness of the civil rights movement, grounded social activism in the experience of God’s love and liberating presence. Thurman’s vision of an interconnected universe, where every creature reflects God’s glory, calls for a radical commitment to justice, compassion, and the pursuit of Beloved Community.

The God of the Growing Edge examines these intersecting visions, highlighting their complementary strengths. Whitehead’s metaphysics provides a robust intellectual framework for understanding a universe of interconnectedness, change, and possibility, while Thurman’s lived experience of oppression and spiritual resistance infuses this framework with prophetic urgency and practical wisdom. Together, they offer a powerful and timely message for today’s world, inspiring:

A renewed understanding of God: moving beyond static, impersonal images to embrace a God of relationality, empathy, and creative love.
A deeper connection between spirituality and action: uniting personal transformation with a commitment to social justice and planetary well-being.
A more inclusive vision of humanity: recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of background or circumstance.
A vibrant sense of hope and resilience: finding strength and inspiration in the face of personal and global challenges.

This book is not merely an academic study but a personal and spiritual exploration. Drawing on the author’s own experiences as a theologian, minister, and activist, The God of the Growing Edge invites readers to embark on a “holy adventure” guided by the wisdom of Whitehead and Thurman. It offers practical spiritual practices at the end of each chapter, along with powerful prayers by Thurman, to help readers integrate these insights into their daily lives. By exploring the “growing edge” of faith, this book offers a compelling path toward a more just, compassionate, and sustainable future.

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