Hartshorne's Neo-Classical Theism: An Exposition and a Theistic Evaluation
Dissertation, University of Washington (
1985)
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Abstract
This dissertation attempts to provide a systematic exposition and a critical evaluation of Hartshorne's neo-classical theism--as constituted by the core concepts of God as all-inclusive, God as the cosmic organism, and God as dipolar. After providing a systematic review of Hartshorne's critique of classical theism, the three core concepts are reviewed and their conceptual connections explicated. The critical evaluation of Hartshorne's neo-classical theism is carried out from the theistic point of view. Five problems are the focus of critical attention: The problem of God as efficient causal agent; the problem of God as the divine creator; the problem of evil; the problem of personal immortality; and the problem of God as the divine person. These problems are discussed in the light of Hartshorne's main purpose in postulating the three core concepts--that of providing a religiously viable and coherent conception of God within the theistic framework of the Christian tradition. The dissertation concludes that the problem of personal immortality and the problem of God as the divine person are intractable for Hartshorne's neo-classical theism, seriously undermining its viability as an alternative superior to classical theism and its religious validity for the Christian tradition