Divine Power in Process Theism: A Philosophical Critique

This monograph presents a rigorous philosophical critique of process theism's conception of divine power, examining whether its radical reconceptualization of God's relationship to the world succeeds in resolving classical theological problems or creates new philosophical difficulties. Basinger engages systematically with the process theological tradition, particularly the work of Charles Hartshorne and David Ray Griffin, analyzing their attempts to redefine omnipotence in ways compatible with genuine creaturely freedom and the reality of evil.

The work proceeds through careful analysis of process theism's central claim that God possesses persuasive rather than coercive power over creation. Basinger examines how process theologians argue this limitation follows necessarily from their metaphysical framework, wherein all actual entities, including God, influence others through persuasion rather than unilateral determination. He investigates whether this reconceptualization successfully addresses the problem of evil while maintaining a religiously adequate conception of divine providence.

Basinger's method combines conceptual analysis with systematic comparison between process and classical theistic models. He scrutinizes key process theological arguments, including the claim that persuasive power represents a higher form of divine influence than coercive control, and the assertion that genuine love requires the possibility of resistance. The analysis extends to examining whether process theism's God can guarantee ultimate cosmic victory over evil or provide meaningful responses to petitionary prayer.

The critique identifies several philosophical tensions within process thought. Basinger questions whether the distinction between persuasion and coercion remains coherent given process metaphysics, and whether a God limited to persuasive power can fulfill traditional religious expectations regarding divine action. He analyzes attempts by process theologians to demonstrate that their conception preserves essential religious values while avoiding classical theism's perceived difficulties.

This work contributes significantly to debates about divine attributes by providing one of the most thorough philosophical assessments of process theism's revolutionary approach to divine power. Rather than simply defending classical theism or advocating process thought, Basinger offers careful analytical scrutiny that illuminates fundamental issues any adequate theology must address. His examination reveals how reconceptualizing divine power affects broader theological commitments regarding providence, prayer, eschatology, and religious practice. The monograph establishes essential distinctions and raises critical questions that continue to shape philosophical theology's engagement with process thought.