Photo by Nick Hillier on Unsplash
Fewer Politicians,
More Baristas
A Process Philosophy of Coffee
Process philosophy and theology, with their emphasis on relationality, becoming, and experience, offer a rich framework for exploring the aesthetics, ethics, spirituality, and cosmology of coffee. I will start with the aesthetics. Whitehead’s eight categories of existence serve as invitations to attend to different dimensions of coffee’s aesthetic experience, from equipment design and café ambiance to the act of tasting itself. Here’s how each category might contribute to discussions of the aesthetics of coffee:
Process philosophy invites us to see the aesthetics of coffee not as fixed or isolated but as a dynamic, relational experience—one that unfolds in time, shaped by prehensions of the past, the lures of the present, and the possibilities of the future.
Of course, there are other things to consider, too. The ethics of coffee—given the conditions of workers and its effects on the earth—cannot be separated from its aesthetic appreciation. Coffee is not just an aesthetic experience but also an ethical and ecological one. The sourcing of beans, labor conditions of farmers, environmental sustainability, and corporate versus small-scale production all shape the meaning of coffee in our lives. Process philosophy, with its emphasis on interconnectedness, and its social ideal of Ecological Civilization, invites us to consider these ethical dimensions alongside the sensory and artistic aspects.
Moreover, coffee exists within a social and economic nexus that influences how it is valued and experienced. Issues such as fair trade, environmental impact, and the role of coffee in consumer culture are part of its broader aesthetic significance. How coffee is marketed, priced, and consumed speaks to questions of justice, accessibility, and global economic structures.
Additionally, the ritualistic and spiritual dimensions of coffee drinking deserve attention. Many people treat coffee consumption as a daily ritual, a moment of pause in an otherwise chaotic world. The slow preparation of pour-over coffee, the rhythmic grinding of beans, and the mindful enjoyment of a well-balanced cup can be akin to meditative practices. In this sense, coffee is not just an aesthetic object but a practice that fosters attentiveness, connection, and even reverence for the present moment.
Finally, the cultural narratives surrounding coffee—its association with intellectual life, creativity, productivity, and social bonding—contribute to its ever-evolving aesthetic and philosophical significance. From the literary cafés of Paris to the bustling street-side coffee stalls of Istanbul, coffee culture is shaped by history, geography, and human creativity.
Thus, the aesthetics of coffee cannot be separated from its ethics, ecology, rituals, and cultural significance. Process philosophy and theology help us appreciate coffee not just as a beverage but as a living, evolving event—one that invites us to engage more deeply with the world and with one another.
- Actual Entities – Every sip of coffee, every moment of tasting, is an actual entity, each with its own unique becoming. The aesthetic of sipping coffee is an experience-in-the-making, always fresh, never repeated exactly.
- Prehensions – The act of tasting coffee is an act of prehension, where flavors, aromas, and textures are felt as inherited from the past. The history of the beans, the warmth of the cup, and the memories associated with coffee drinking all contribute to the experience.
- Nexus – A café is a nexus of relationality, a gathering of people, objects, and experiences. The aesthetic of a coffee shop emerges from the interplay of its furniture, lighting, music, and social atmosphere, forming a larger whole. Typically its aim is to create a warm, cozy atmosphere conducive to friendship, conversation, and intellectual exchange.
- Subjective Forms – The warmth of the cup, the bitterness of the espresso, the smoothness of the foam—each of these is felt uniquely by the drinker. The aesthetics of coffee include the personal and emotional meanings attached to each sip, shaped by subjective feeling.
- Eternal Objects – The possibilities of taste, aroma, and design in coffee culture draw from eternal objects—ideal forms of sweetness, acidity, balance, and beauty that influence how coffee is crafted, presented, and experienced.
- Propositions – Latte art, café ambiance, and even the cultural narratives surrounding coffee function as propositions, offering lures for feeling. A well-designed coffee shop invites a mood; a beautifully poured cappuccino suggests elegance and care.
- Contrasts – Coffee embodies contrasts at every level—hot vs. cold, bitter vs. sweet, light vs. dark roast, solitary vs. communal drinking. The aesthetic experience of coffee is shaped by these tensions, much like in art and music, where contrast gives depth and meaning.
- Multiplicities – Coffee culture is not singular but multiple, shaped by diverse brewing methods, regional traditions, and personal preferences. Espresso in Italy, pour-over in Japan, Turkish coffee, and American diner-style drip all express different aesthetic sensibilities. Coffee’s multiplicity allows for endless variations, innovations, and reinterpretations.
- God – The divine in process theology is the source of novelty and beauty, offering possibilities for the aesthetic experience of coffee. The pleasure of a well-brewed cup and the relational warmth of a coffee shop may be seen as participations in divine creativity.
- Creativity – Every cup of coffee is a creative advance into novelty, never identical to the last. The aesthetics of coffee are always in flux, shaped by the improvisations of baristas, the changing moods of drinkers, and the evolving designs of coffee culture.
Process philosophy invites us to see the aesthetics of coffee not as fixed or isolated but as a dynamic, relational experience—one that unfolds in time, shaped by prehensions of the past, the lures of the present, and the possibilities of the future.
Of course, there are other things to consider, too. The ethics of coffee—given the conditions of workers and its effects on the earth—cannot be separated from its aesthetic appreciation. Coffee is not just an aesthetic experience but also an ethical and ecological one. The sourcing of beans, labor conditions of farmers, environmental sustainability, and corporate versus small-scale production all shape the meaning of coffee in our lives. Process philosophy, with its emphasis on interconnectedness, and its social ideal of Ecological Civilization, invites us to consider these ethical dimensions alongside the sensory and artistic aspects.
Moreover, coffee exists within a social and economic nexus that influences how it is valued and experienced. Issues such as fair trade, environmental impact, and the role of coffee in consumer culture are part of its broader aesthetic significance. How coffee is marketed, priced, and consumed speaks to questions of justice, accessibility, and global economic structures.
Additionally, the ritualistic and spiritual dimensions of coffee drinking deserve attention. Many people treat coffee consumption as a daily ritual, a moment of pause in an otherwise chaotic world. The slow preparation of pour-over coffee, the rhythmic grinding of beans, and the mindful enjoyment of a well-balanced cup can be akin to meditative practices. In this sense, coffee is not just an aesthetic object but a practice that fosters attentiveness, connection, and even reverence for the present moment.
Finally, the cultural narratives surrounding coffee—its association with intellectual life, creativity, productivity, and social bonding—contribute to its ever-evolving aesthetic and philosophical significance. From the literary cafés of Paris to the bustling street-side coffee stalls of Istanbul, coffee culture is shaped by history, geography, and human creativity.
Thus, the aesthetics of coffee cannot be separated from its ethics, ecology, rituals, and cultural significance. Process philosophy and theology help us appreciate coffee not just as a beverage but as a living, evolving event—one that invites us to engage more deeply with the world and with one another.
Coffee Aesthetics
- Coffee Equipment Design: Discussions about the visual appeal of coffee-making equipment highlight how design influences user experience. For instance, the aesthetics of espresso machines like the Francis!Francis! or chromed Gaggia models are often considered alongside their functionality.
- Coffee Shop Interiors: The design and ambiance of coffee shops play a significant role in the overall coffee experience. Modern coffee shops often blend industrial and modern elements, featuring exposed brick, hardwood floors, and stainless steel espresso machines, aiming to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Coffeehouse Culture: The traditional coffeehouse aesthetic emphasizes calmness and relaxation, often characterized by deep, warm colors, books, and an environment conducive to leisure and conversation. aesthetics.fandom.com
- Latte Art: The practice of creating designs in the foam atop espresso beverages, known as latte art, adds a visual dimension to coffee consumption, enhancing the sensory experience.
- Literature on Coffee's Cultural Significance: Books such as The Philosophy of Coffee by Brian Williams delve into the history and culture of coffee, offering insights into its aesthetic and philosophical dimensions.
- The Aesthetics of Tasting Coffee : Sensory, Emotional, Experiential, Metaphysical, and Poetic
Tasting Coffee
with bathetic examples
1. Sensory Aesthetics
Flavor Complexity: The interplay of acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and body, creating a layered taste experience.
Example: "A bright citrusy acidity gives way to a deep caramel sweetness, finishing with a velvety chocolate aftertaste."
Mouthfeel: The texture and weight of coffee on the palate, whether light and tea-like or heavy and syrupy.
Example: "A delicate, silky texture glides over the tongue, leaving a lingering warmth."
Aroma and Fragrance: The first impression, setting the stage for the taste experience.
Example: "Notes of jasmine and bergamot rise from the cup, promising an elegant, floral experience."
Aftertaste: The lingering impression left after swallowing.
Example: "A long, honeyed finish lingers, as if the coffee itself refuses to say goodbye."
2. Emotional and Experiential Aesthetics
Comforting & Nostalgic: Coffee as an emotional touchstone.
Example: "The rich, familiar warmth evokes childhood mornings at my grandmother’s kitchen table."
Energizing & Awakening: Coffee as a revitalizing force.
Example: "Each sip feels like dawn breaking—sharp, clear, and full of possibility."
Ritualistic & Meditative: The act of drinking coffee as a mindful practice.
Example: "Sipping slowly, I let the complex notes unfold like a melody, each layer revealing itself in time."
Social & Relational: Coffee as a connector of people and moments.
Example: "The first sip is shared, an unspoken bond formed over steam and conversation."
3. Metaphysical and Poetic Aesthetics
Temporal Aesthetics: Coffee as a moment in time.
Example: "This cup is fleeting, yet it lingers in memory like the golden light of a setting sun."
Contrast & Harmony: The balance of opposing elements.
Example: "The bright acidity dances with the deep, earthy body, like a duet between light and shadow."
Process Aesthetics: The journey from bean to cup.
Example: "Each sip carries the echo of rain-soaked soil, the warmth of the drying sun, and the careful hands that nurtured it to perfection."
Mystical & Cosmic: Coffee as an expression of universal creativity.
Example: "Like the universe itself, this coffee unfolds with infinite possibilities, each sip a new creation."
Flavor Complexity: The interplay of acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and body, creating a layered taste experience.
Example: "A bright citrusy acidity gives way to a deep caramel sweetness, finishing with a velvety chocolate aftertaste."
Mouthfeel: The texture and weight of coffee on the palate, whether light and tea-like or heavy and syrupy.
Example: "A delicate, silky texture glides over the tongue, leaving a lingering warmth."
Aroma and Fragrance: The first impression, setting the stage for the taste experience.
Example: "Notes of jasmine and bergamot rise from the cup, promising an elegant, floral experience."
Aftertaste: The lingering impression left after swallowing.
Example: "A long, honeyed finish lingers, as if the coffee itself refuses to say goodbye."
2. Emotional and Experiential Aesthetics
Comforting & Nostalgic: Coffee as an emotional touchstone.
Example: "The rich, familiar warmth evokes childhood mornings at my grandmother’s kitchen table."
Energizing & Awakening: Coffee as a revitalizing force.
Example: "Each sip feels like dawn breaking—sharp, clear, and full of possibility."
Ritualistic & Meditative: The act of drinking coffee as a mindful practice.
Example: "Sipping slowly, I let the complex notes unfold like a melody, each layer revealing itself in time."
Social & Relational: Coffee as a connector of people and moments.
Example: "The first sip is shared, an unspoken bond formed over steam and conversation."
3. Metaphysical and Poetic Aesthetics
Temporal Aesthetics: Coffee as a moment in time.
Example: "This cup is fleeting, yet it lingers in memory like the golden light of a setting sun."
Contrast & Harmony: The balance of opposing elements.
Example: "The bright acidity dances with the deep, earthy body, like a duet between light and shadow."
Process Aesthetics: The journey from bean to cup.
Example: "Each sip carries the echo of rain-soaked soil, the warmth of the drying sun, and the careful hands that nurtured it to perfection."
Mystical & Cosmic: Coffee as an expression of universal creativity.
Example: "Like the universe itself, this coffee unfolds with infinite possibilities, each sip a new creation."
Fewer Politicians,
More Baristas
All things considered, I think we need fewer politicians and more baristas. At least baristas of the ideal type: baristas who have a ministry of hospitality, who are community builders, who are attuned to the feelings of others, who find the sacred in the ordinary, who are open to the inwardly felt lure of God, and who are skilled in the craft of preparing moments of warmth, connection, and renewal—one cup at a time.
They reveal something sacred in life—something much more sacred than power and self-glorification, demeaning others and gloating over "victories." That something, of course, is divine Amipotence —not as a distant ruler or coercive force, but as the gentle, ever-present lure toward beauty, kindness, and connection. In the quiet act of crafting something concrete (in this case coffee) with care, in the warmth of a shared moment between strangers, in the simple dignity of hospitality freely given, we glimpse the divine at work. The ideal barista, reminds us that true holiness is not found in dominance or division, but in the everyday acts of love that bring people together.
Of course I know from talking to baristas that it is not at all easy to embody these traits, due to many circumstances beyond their control—low wages, long hours, impatient customers, corporate pressures, and the sheer exhaustion that comes with constant service. The ideal of the hospitable, attuned, and spiritually grounded barista is often challenged by the realities of the job. And yet, even within these difficulties, many baristas still manage to create moments of warmth and connection, offering a small but meaningful glimpse of what hospitality can be.
Perhaps this is where grace enters the picture. Just as Jesus moved within a world of struggle and resistance, embodying love in the midst of hardship, the barista who still manages to smile, to listen, to craft something with care, participates in that same sacred work. They remind us that holiness is not about perfection but about presence, about the small acts of kindness that persist even when the world makes them difficult. If God is truly found in relational beauty, then perhaps, even in a rushed café during the morning rush, something divine is taking place.
They reveal something sacred in life—something much more sacred than power and self-glorification, demeaning others and gloating over "victories." That something, of course, is divine Amipotence —not as a distant ruler or coercive force, but as the gentle, ever-present lure toward beauty, kindness, and connection. In the quiet act of crafting something concrete (in this case coffee) with care, in the warmth of a shared moment between strangers, in the simple dignity of hospitality freely given, we glimpse the divine at work. The ideal barista, reminds us that true holiness is not found in dominance or division, but in the everyday acts of love that bring people together.
Of course I know from talking to baristas that it is not at all easy to embody these traits, due to many circumstances beyond their control—low wages, long hours, impatient customers, corporate pressures, and the sheer exhaustion that comes with constant service. The ideal of the hospitable, attuned, and spiritually grounded barista is often challenged by the realities of the job. And yet, even within these difficulties, many baristas still manage to create moments of warmth and connection, offering a small but meaningful glimpse of what hospitality can be.
Perhaps this is where grace enters the picture. Just as Jesus moved within a world of struggle and resistance, embodying love in the midst of hardship, the barista who still manages to smile, to listen, to craft something with care, participates in that same sacred work. They remind us that holiness is not about perfection but about presence, about the small acts of kindness that persist even when the world makes them difficult. If God is truly found in relational beauty, then perhaps, even in a rushed café during the morning rush, something divine is taking place.
Jesus & the Barista
The spirit of a barista—when seen through the lens of open and relational (process) theology—can be compared to Jesus. My focus is on the barista as an ideal type, not an actual person. But actual baristas, who work in coffee shops, often partake of these qualities in one moment or another, and in so doing they provide windows into something wider and deeper, a spirit of hospitality that embraces the universe in a kindly way, despite its great suffering. This spirit is God.
A Ministry of Hospitality – Just as Jesus welcomed all people—offering food, drink, and companionship—the barista creates a space of hospitality where people gather, rest, and connect. Jesus broke bread with strangers, outcasts, and friends alike, making each meal a moment of sacred connection. Likewise, an barista, in their daily work, participates in the sacred art of welcoming, providing nourishment not just in the form of coffee but in the warmth of presence and kindness.
Attunement to Others – Jesus was deeply attuned to those around him, responding with care to their needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. In a similar way, a barista who practices their craft relationally is attuned to the moods and needs of customers. A smile, a word of encouragement, a moment of patience—these small gestures can carry a quiet grace, echoing Jesus' way of meeting people where they are.
Creative Participation in the Good – In process theology, Jesus is understood as one who was radically open to God’s ongoing lure toward beauty, healing, and justice. A barista, too, participates in creative advance into novelty—each cup of coffee is a new moment, shaped by skill, care, and the unfolding possibilities of the day. Their work, however routine, can become an act of love and creativity, mirroring Jesus' embodiment of divine creativity in daily life.
Loving Presence in the Ordinary – Jesus revealed the sacred in the ordinary: water, bread, wine, shared meals, and human touch. A barista, in crafting coffee with care and presence, transforms the mundane into something meaningful. A well-brewed cup of coffee, given with kindness, can be a sacrament of daily life—an embodied expression of relational beauty and generosity.
Openness to the Divine Lure – In process theology, Jesus was one who followed God’s ever-present yet ever-adaptive lure toward love and transformation. Likewise, God’s presence within a barista gently invites them to bring creativity, attentiveness, and care to their craft and their interactions. Whether they recognize it or not, each moment of mindful preparation, each warm exchange, is a response to the sacred call toward relational beauty.
A Community Builder – Jesus built community wherever he went, and coffeehouses today serve as modern gathering spaces where friendships form, ideas emerge, and moments of rest are shared. A barista, like Jesus, helps cultivate a space where people connect, creating a small but significant oasis of belonging in a busy world.
In this way, the work of a barista—when approached with care and creativity—can be a reflection of Jesus’ spirit: an expression of hospitality, attunement, creative love, sacred presence, and relational beauty. Even in something as simple as making coffee, there is an opportunity to participate in the divine work of connection, kindness, and renewal.
A Ministry of Hospitality – Just as Jesus welcomed all people—offering food, drink, and companionship—the barista creates a space of hospitality where people gather, rest, and connect. Jesus broke bread with strangers, outcasts, and friends alike, making each meal a moment of sacred connection. Likewise, an barista, in their daily work, participates in the sacred art of welcoming, providing nourishment not just in the form of coffee but in the warmth of presence and kindness.
Attunement to Others – Jesus was deeply attuned to those around him, responding with care to their needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. In a similar way, a barista who practices their craft relationally is attuned to the moods and needs of customers. A smile, a word of encouragement, a moment of patience—these small gestures can carry a quiet grace, echoing Jesus' way of meeting people where they are.
Creative Participation in the Good – In process theology, Jesus is understood as one who was radically open to God’s ongoing lure toward beauty, healing, and justice. A barista, too, participates in creative advance into novelty—each cup of coffee is a new moment, shaped by skill, care, and the unfolding possibilities of the day. Their work, however routine, can become an act of love and creativity, mirroring Jesus' embodiment of divine creativity in daily life.
Loving Presence in the Ordinary – Jesus revealed the sacred in the ordinary: water, bread, wine, shared meals, and human touch. A barista, in crafting coffee with care and presence, transforms the mundane into something meaningful. A well-brewed cup of coffee, given with kindness, can be a sacrament of daily life—an embodied expression of relational beauty and generosity.
Openness to the Divine Lure – In process theology, Jesus was one who followed God’s ever-present yet ever-adaptive lure toward love and transformation. Likewise, God’s presence within a barista gently invites them to bring creativity, attentiveness, and care to their craft and their interactions. Whether they recognize it or not, each moment of mindful preparation, each warm exchange, is a response to the sacred call toward relational beauty.
A Community Builder – Jesus built community wherever he went, and coffeehouses today serve as modern gathering spaces where friendships form, ideas emerge, and moments of rest are shared. A barista, like Jesus, helps cultivate a space where people connect, creating a small but significant oasis of belonging in a busy world.
In this way, the work of a barista—when approached with care and creativity—can be a reflection of Jesus’ spirit: an expression of hospitality, attunement, creative love, sacred presence, and relational beauty. Even in something as simple as making coffee, there is an opportunity to participate in the divine work of connection, kindness, and renewal.