In this episode of Conversations in Process, host Jay McDaniel speaks with Jared Morningstar about how they first encountered the world of process thought. Through Alfred North Whitehead’s work, they share their journeys into the intersections of 20th-century philosophy, metaphysics, theology, and spiritual inquiry.
Together, they explore:
- How Whitehead’s philosophy offers a vibrant alternative to rigid dogmatism
- Why process thought may have something of value for today’s spiritual and philosophical seekers
- The influence of other process thinkers like Charles Hartshorne and Henri Bergson
- The continuing relevance of metaphysical speculation in contemporary life
Guest Bio
Jared Morningstar
Jared Morningstar is an independent scholar living in Chicago with academic interests in philosophy of religion, Islamic studies, comparative religion, metamodern spirituality, and interfaith dialogue. Their work in these areas seeks to offer robust responses to issues of inter-religious conflict, contemporary nihilism, and the “meaning crisis,” among other things. Jared graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2018 with degrees in religion and Scandinavian studies and currently works for the Center for Process Studies and the Psychedelic Medicine Association.
Host Bio
Jay McDaniel
Jay McDaniel is professor emeritus of Religious Studies at Hendrix College in Arkansas, and founder of the website Open Horizons, which focuses on exploring a process outlook on life and way of living in the world. Active in the development of process thought in China, he is a consultant to the Institute for Postmodern Development of China, and the Cobb Institute. His books include With Roots and Wings: Christianity in an Age of Ecology and Dialogue; Living from the Center: Spirituality in an Age of Consumerism; and Gandhi’s Hope: Learning from Other Religions as a Path to Peace.