The Call of the Spirit: Process Spirituality in a Relational World

Back in print! This small gem, unavailable for years, has now been republished by Process Century Press and is ready for a new generation of readers. In a series of reflections, the authors create a rhythm that begins with Cobb on process theology, moves to Epperly on personal spirituality, onward to Nancarrow on corporate practice, then begins anew with Cobb.

In a time when there are so many challenges to the idea of the common good, this book reminds us that, In a process-relational world, to love God is to be swept up into God’s own love for the world. It is to become a participant in God’s great compassion. To develop spirituality in this relational world of ours is to develop the habit of attentiveness to the call of the Spirit, which will lead us ever more deeply into lives that are marked by compassion of God. As Suchocki writes in her introduction, "These nine essays form an integral whole, combining a careful analysis of relational dynamics with very practical suggestions for personal and communal ways of intensifying our spirituality. The essays flow from the wellsprings of spirituality in each of our authors; they are “lived” essays, and not simply theoretical discussions. To read the essays, then, is to be invited into the privilege of seeing how the call of the Spirit has been answered in each of these three lives. One can join with them by reading this book meditatively, reflecting on one’s own responses to the issues named. But one can also read this book as a kind of manual, giving tested instruction for persons and for communities to focus intentionally on increasing our spiritual awareness. In this sense, then, perhaps the book functions according to its apt title—it may, indeed, represent for us the call of the Spirit."

JOHN B. COBB, JR., is an American theologian, philosopher, and environmentalist. Described by historian Gary Dorrien as one of the two most important North American theologians of the twentieth century, Cobb is the preeminent scholar in the field of process philosophy and process theology, and the author of more than fifty books. In 2014, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Cobb is a founding co-director of the Center for Process Studies and Professor Emeritus of Claremont School of Theology and Claremont Graduate University.

Bruce Epperly is a professor, pastor, and author of over sixty books, including "The Elephant is Running: Process and Open and Relational Theologies and Religious Pluralism," "Process Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed," "Process Theology and Politics," "Praying with Process Theology," and "Walking with Francis of Assisi: From Privilege to Activism." Now "retired," he lives in Potomac, Maryland, where, in addition to teaching and writing, he is an active grandparent, walker, and contemplative activist.

The Rev. Dr. Paul Nancarrow is an Episcopal priest retired from full-time parish ministry. His theological work has focused on process-relational interpretations of liturgy, and especially on the co-acting of divine action and human action in sacramental work and worship.