Is "God" a bromide. The term bromide originally referred to a type of sedative (potassium bromide) used in medicine in the 19th century, which had a calming effect. Over time, "bromide" came to be metaphorically associated with statements that are similarly soothing but dull, bland, or uninspired. In conversation or writing, a bromide is something that is cliche-ridden, overly familiar, and avoids difficult truths or nuanced thinking, offering instead a superficial or predictable response. In open and relational theology, including process theology, language about God can become bromidic: overly predictable and didactic. It there hope for process theology?
When God becomes a Bromide
The Need for Fresh and More Concrete
Language in Process Theology
"My faith has become a series of platitudes," my friend said. Several years ago, she had found wisdom and power in process theology. Yet now, for reasons she couldn’t fully explain, her embrace of process theology felt like a collection of clichés. Every time she read books and articles on the subject, they all sounded the same. She wondered if process theology could grow beyond its own clichés. So, we decided to ask OpenAI what it thought. Here's what it had to say:
Introduction
In Process Theology, rich and dynamic concepts such as God's relationality, the ongoing co-creation of the world, and the open future offer profound insights into the nature of divine interaction with creation. However, like any theological framework, the language used to express these ideas can become repetitive, overly familiar, and ultimately bromidic —reduced to clichés that lack depth and meaning. When foundational statements like "God is always luring us toward the good" or "God’s power is persuasive, not coercive" are used too often without reflection, they risk turning into spiritual platitudes that close off further exploration rather than inviting deeper engagement.
Six Problems with Theological Bromides
- Shallow Engagement with Complex Issues
Statements like "God is always luring creation toward the good" or "God's power is persuasive, not coercive" are foundational in Process Theology, but when repeated without reflection, they can oversimplify complex realities. In the face of deep suffering, injustice, or personal crisis, these phrases risk offering superficial comfort and failing to grapple with the profound tensions between divine influence and the persistence of evil or chaos in the world. - Foreclosure of Growth and Novelty
Ideas such as "God and the world are in a constant process of becoming" are at the heart of Process Theology. However, when these statements are overused, they can lose their power to invite new thinking. Instead of fostering deeper exploration of God's dynamic relationship with creation, these bromides can lead to intellectual stagnation, giving the illusion that the answers are already known, thus foreclosing the novelty that is central to Process Theology’s vision of ongoing creative evolution. - Erosion of Meaning
Phrases like "God feels every experience of the world" are meant to convey a profound sense of divine empathy in Process Theology. However, when such phrases are repeated too frequently or in predictable ways, they risk becoming clichés. The depth of meaning behind God’s intimate relationship with the world can erode over time, turning transformative ideas into comforting but hollow expressions that no longer provoke awe or inspire deep reflection. - Avoidance of Difficult Truths
Bromides such as "God is in the process with us" can sometimes be used to avoid deeper reflection on hard theological questions. While the relational nature of God is a powerful idea, when invoked too quickly, it may bypass the harder truths about unresolved suffering, evil, or the randomness of life. The complexities of divine vulnerability and human freedom, core tensions in Process Theology, can be glossed over when such phrases are used without careful consideration of their implications. - Reinforcement of In-Group Thinking
Statements like "We are co-creators with God" can turn into in-group language within Process Theology circles. These phrases may help solidify a sense of shared belief but can also foster intellectual complacency. Instead of pushing for deeper inquiry or welcoming diverse perspectives, such bromides can become a way to signal belonging within the group, shutting down dialogue with those who challenge or question Process Theology’s premises. - Discouragement of Honest Doubt and Inquiry
Statements like "The future is open, and God is affected by every event" are central to Process Theology, but when used too often or too casually, they can unintentionally discourage deeper questioning. By offering easy, comforting answers to complex questions about life's uncertainties, these bromides can prevent believers from exploring their own doubts, struggles, and uncertainties. This overuse of familiar phrases can stunt the development of a more nuanced and critically engaged faith.
Six Ways to Avoid Bromidism in Process Theology
- Engage in Contextual Reflection
Instead of relying on well-worn phrases like "God is luring us toward the good" emphasize the specific context in which these ideas are applied. Ask how divine lures manifest in particular situations, acknowledging the complexities of each moment. Process theologians can deepen their engagement by focusing on how God's relational influence varies in different ethical, existential, or social contexts, allowing the idea to remain dynamic and relevant. - Encourage Critical Inquiry and Openness
Process Theology is inherently about openness to new possibilities and creative transformation. To avoid bromidism, it’s important to continually question familiar ideas and remain open to new insights. Instead of treating phrases like "God and the world are in a constant process of becoming" as definitive, use them as starting points for exploration. Encourage communities to wrestle with uncertainties, complexities, and emerging understandings of divine action and relationality. - Expand the Vocabulary of Process Thought
Relying on the same few phrases can lead to repetition and loss of meaning. To keep theological language fresh, theologians and believers should expand their vocabulary when talking about Process Theology. Drawing from diverse traditions, metaphors, and interdisciplinary insights (e.g., from science, philosophy, or the arts) can enrich theological discourse and prevent overused expressions from becoming stale. - Incorporate Personal and Communal Experience
Grounding theological concepts in lived experience can breathe new life into familiar ideas. Rather than repeating abstract statements, relate them to real-life stories of transformation, suffering, or hope. For example, instead of simply stating "God feels every experience," explore how this manifests in specific situations of grief, joy, or ethical dilemmas. This approach makes the theology more relatable and less prone to becoming rote. - Welcome Theological Diversity and Dialogue
Avoid in-group complacency by welcoming dialogue with other theological perspectives, traditions, and critiques. Engaging with viewpoints that challenge or offer alternatives to Process Theology will keep its ideas fresh and evolving. This cross-pollination of ideas prevents Process Theology from becoming too insular and repetitive, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment where familiar concepts are constantly re-examined and expanded. - Embrace Silence and Mystery
Sometimes the most profound theological insight comes not from words but from silence. In Process Theology, where the divine is relational but not always fully knowable, leaving room for mystery can be more powerful than always seeking answers. Resist the temptation to fill every theological gap with familiar phrases. Instead, honor the unknown and the unfolding nature of God’s relationship with creation by allowing silence and unanswered questions to be part of the conversation.
By embracing these practices, Process Theology can avoid the pitfalls of bromidism and remain a dynamic, engaging, and ever-evolving theological framework. Each of these strategies helps keep theological language fresh, thoughtful, and relevant, ensuring that its core ideas continue to inspire growth, curiosity, and genuine transformation.