The Purposes of God

The doctrine of providence is one that has fallen into theological oblivion in recent years. How can the words God and history still be said in the same sentence? This book surveys important contemporary attempts to talk about God and history, examines why they haven't been successful, and offers a contemporary doctrine of providence that is historically realistic, adequate to religious experience, and grounded in the Christian tradition. The author draws on the philosophical orientation of Alfred North Whitehead and brings it into conversation with liberation and ecological theologies.

""Divine providence is a vexing and multi-faceted doctrine. Zbaraschuk weaves together multiple voices from the past and present to provide a compelling answer to what it means to live in a Spirit-filled world. His answer fits our diverse experiences, is relevant to living life here and now, and offers hope for transformation in the future.""
--Thomas Jay Oord, Author of The Nature of Love and The Uncontrolling Love of God

""If contemporary theologians do not work to resuscitate traditional doctrines, much of the vital energy of past thinkers is lost to us. Zbaraschuk contributes to this effort with an innovative approach that restores the notion of providence to a progressive theological vision. Best of all is his appreciative, illuminating reading of a diverse library of scholars, from metaphysics, theology, philosophy of history, and even literature.""
--Donna Bowman, Professor, Norbert O. Schedler Honors College, University of Central Arkansas

""Intellectually satisfying and beautifully written, Zbaraschuk's theology on providence weaves together classics in theology, philosophy of religion, liberationist, process and feminist theologies into a refreshing and, more importantly, credible doctrine of God's providence for our time. The depth, diversity, and synthesis of his scholarship are exceptional . . . Zbaraschuk proposes a new understanding of divine providence that inspires the world toward freedom, beauty, and liberation.""
--Marit Trelstad, Professor of Constructive Theology, Department of Religion, Pacific Lutheran University

""Providence has become theology's most controversial claim. How do we, children of a skeptical age, still find faith in a living and active God? With a profound sense for both the challenges and the need, Zbaraschuk leads readers toward a compelling resolution: 'a primal, incarnate, active Spirit, living in people and communities, taking the form of love-in-praxis and issuing in hope.' It's a journey worth taking.""
--Philip Clayton, author of Adventures in the Spirit


G. Michael Zbaraschuk is Assistant Professor of Religion at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. He is the coeditor (with Daniel J. Peterson) of Resurrecting the Death of God (2014).