Dr. Schwartz is Associate Professor of Process Studies and Comparative Theology at Claremont School of Theology, and also teaches courses through the Center for Process Studies. For those interested in studying with Dr. Schwartz, or anyone interested in the Process Studies programs at Claremont School of Theology, feel free to contact him.
Whitehead Research Seminar: Process & Reality (Fall 2024)
This course is a deep-dive into the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead by way of a close reading of his magnum opus, Process and Reality. In this complex text, Whitehead attempts to integrate scientific, aesthetic, and religious intuitions into a novel, comprehensive, and coherent understanding of existence. Students will explore the fundamentals of Whitehead’s philosophy of organism, which serves as the conceptual foundation for process theology.
Constructive Theology (Fall 2024)
This course is an exploration of the “big questions” of Christian theology. From questions about the existence of God, the person of Jesus, and the identity of the Church, to issues of how the world came into being, what happens when we die, and more, this course is an invitation for all students to engage in the construction of a coherent and compelling belief system informed by reason, tradition, scripture, and experience.
Intro to Process Theology (Winter 2024)
Brite Divinity at Texas Christian University
This course is an introduction to process theology. One of the most influential branches of 20th century liberal theology, process theology applies the relational philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead to religious questions, offering new perspectives on traditional Christian beliefs. But does process theology provide an adequate framework for a faith that makes sense? This course explores the basic concepts of process philosophy and its relevance for theology.
The Problem of Evil (Spring 2024)
More people leave religion because of evil than for any other reason. Perhaps no challenge is more difficult to answer: why would a good God allow horrible, pointless suffering? After understanding all that’s meant by evil, we will explore the strongest responses that have been made in past and present, and across the world’s traditions. It’s not just about theory; it’s about the entire way “religion” is understood, and how faith is lived out in the world today.
Deep Religious Pluralism (Spring 2024)
This course is an adventure in the theology of religions, exploring such questions as: Why are there many religions if there is only one ultimate reality? Is only one religion true? How can we know which religion is true? Do Muslims, Christians, and Jews worship the same God? Is salvation possible for non-Christians? We'll examine a variety of responses to such questions, with special focus on the process theory of deep religious pluralism.
