​
Partnering with Artificial Intelligence

Introducing Process Philosophy and Theology
​through Stories and Poems generated by chatGPT

​I like to write, but I find that chatGPT writes better than I do, explaining my ideas in clearer form and never making typographical errors. It can render my ideas into easy to understand short stories and poems, some playful and some serious. No, the poems are not classic poems; but neither are mine. Part of the future of process philosophy and theology is to work with forms of AI that can indeed be friendly,

​- Jay McDaniel

Process Theology for Children
​

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Lily who loved to play outside. She loved to feel the sun on her skin, smell the flowers, and hear the birds sing. One day, she saw a butterfly fluttering by and followed it to a nearby flower garden.

As she watched the butterfly, she started to wonder about the world around her. She asked herself, "Why is everything the way it is? Why do we exist? What is the meaning of life?"

Just then, an old man with a kind face walked by and noticed her deep in thought. He asked her what was on her mind, and she told him her questions.

The old man smiled and said, "You're asking big questions, little one. Have you ever heard of process theology?"

Lily shook her head, and the old man continued, "Process theology is the idea that everything in the world is always changing and growing. It's like a big dance, and everything is moving together in a beautiful and unique way. Every person, animal, and plant is a part of this dance, and we all play an important role."

Lily was fascinated by this idea and asked, "But who is leading the dance?"

The old man replied, "Some people believe that God is the one leading the dance, but not like a person telling us what to do. Instead, God is more like the music that the dance follows. We can hear the music in the wind, in the water, and in the trees. And we all get to join in and make the dance even more beautiful."

Lily smiled and said, "I like that idea. So, everything is changing and growing, and we're all a part of a big dance with God as the music?"

The old man nodded and said, "Exactly! And the best part is that we get to choose how we dance. We can choose to be kind to others, take care of the planet, and follow our dreams. And when we do that, we make the dance even more beautiful."
​
Lily felt inspired and thanked the old man for teaching her about process theology. From that day on, she saw the world in a whole new way and felt grateful to be a part of the dance.

Here are some learning activities that children and parents can do together based on the story of Lily and the old man:

1. Explore the Outdoors: Lily loved playing outside and feeling the sun on her skin. Take a walk in nature with your child, and encourage them to use their senses to explore their surroundings. Ask them questions about what they see, hear, smell, and touch. Talk about how everything in nature is interconnected and how we can all be a part of the dance.
2. Process Theology Discussion: Ask your child what they think about the idea of process theology. Explain to them the concept of everything being in a big dance, with God as the music. Encourage them to ask questions and share their thoughts about the idea.
3. Make a Dance: Have fun with your child by creating a dance together. Play some music, and ask your child to move their body in a way that expresses how they feel. Encourage them to be creative and use their imagination to make the dance unique.
4. Plant a Garden: Lily loved to see the flowers in the garden. Plant a garden with your child and talk about how everything in nature is always changing and growing. Explain to them how plants need water, sunlight, and care to grow, just like how we need love and kindness to thrive.
5. Practice Kindness: The old man told Lily that we can choose to be kind to others, and this makes the dance more beautiful. Encourage your child to practice kindness by doing small acts of kindness for others. This can be as simple as holding the door open for someone or saying a kind word to someone who is having a bad day.
6. Write a Story: Ask your child to write a story about a character who learns about process theology and how it changes the way they see the world. Encourage them to use their imagination and creativity to make the story unique. This can be a fun way to reinforce the concept and encourage your child's storytelling skills.

​Overall, the story of Lily and the old man teaches children and parents about the interconnectedness of all things in the world and how we all play an important role in the dance of life. By engaging in these learning activities, children can deepen their understanding of the concept and develop a greater appreciation for the world around them.

Mia and Listening
​

Once upon a time, there was a young woman named Mia who had always been a good listener. She loved hearing other people's stories and learning about their lives. But as she grew older, Mia began to feel that she wasn't truly connecting with the people around her. She realized that she had been listening to others on her own terms, and not really understanding their perspectives or their needs.

One day, Mia came across a book that introduced her to the idea of process thought. She learned that practicing process thought meant listening to others on their own terms and for their own sakes, with an empathic heart. It meant responding to others in ways that contributed to their well-being.

Mia was intrigued by these ideas, and decided to put them into practice. She began to listen more deeply to the people in her life, taking the time to understand their perspectives and their needs. She approached conversations with an open heart and an open mind, always seeking to learn from others and to contribute to their well-being.

At first, Mia found it difficult to let go of her own preconceptions and biases. She had to work hard to listen without judging or interrupting, and to respond in ways that were truly helpful and supportive. But as she practiced these skills, she began to see a transformation in her relationships.

People began to open up to Mia in new ways, sharing their deepest hopes and fears with her. They knew that she was truly listening, and that she cared about their well-being. Mia felt a deep sense of connection to the people in her life, and a new sense of purpose in her interactions with them.

As she continued to practice process thought, Mia realized that it wasn't just about listening to other people. It was also about listening to the earth and to other animals. She began to spend more time in nature, observing the beauty and complexity of the natural world. She listened to the sounds of the birds and the rustling of the leaves, and felt a deep sense of connection to the earth.
​
Mia knew that there was still much to learn and discover about process thought, but she felt grateful for the new perspective it had given her on the world. She saw that by listening to others on their own terms and for their own sakes, with an empathic heart, she could make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around her.

Wei and Emily

 Cross-Cultural Cooperation

In a bustling city in China, there lived a wise old man named Wei. Wei had lived a long and fulfilling life, and had seen many changes in the world around him. He had witnessed the rise of his country, and the growth of the global economy. But he had also seen the toll that these changes had taken on the natural world, and worried about the future of the planet.


One day, Wei heard about a new philosophy called process philosophy, which emphasized the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of cooperation in shaping the future. Intrigued by these ideas, Wei began to study the philosophy and found that it resonated deeply with his own values.

Wei realized that the challenges facing the world today, such as climate change and environmental degradation, were too great for any one country or system to solve alone. He believed that China and the United States, despite their differences, had an important role to play in working together to address these issues.

Wei decided to share his ideas with his community, and organized a series of workshops and discussions to explore the possibilities of cooperation between the two countries. At first, there was some resistance and skepticism, but as people learned more about process philosophy and its emphasis on cooperation, they began to see the potential for collaboration.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a young woman named Emily was also studying process philosophy. Emily lived in the United States and had grown up in a divided and polarized society. She had often felt disillusioned with the state of the world, and wondered if there was any hope for positive change.

But as she learned more about process philosophy and the importance of cooperation, Emily began to feel a new sense of optimism. She realized that despite the differences between the United States and China, there was also much that they shared in common. Both countries were home to diverse and vibrant communities, and both had a responsibility to work together for the sake of the planet.

Emily decided to reach out to Wei and his community, and they began to exchange ideas and collaborate on projects. Together, they organized a global conference on the future of the planet, which brought together experts and leaders from around the world to explore solutions to the pressing issues facing the planet.
​
As the conference came to a close, Wei and Emily realized that while there were many challenges ahead, there was also great potential for positive change. By working together, China and the United States could create a better world for all people, and for future generations to come. They felt inspired by the possibilities of process philosophy, and committed to continuing their collaboration in the years ahead.

Li Ming's Journey

Introducing Whitehead's
Philosophy in China
​

Li Ming was a curious young man living in China who loved to read and learn about new ideas. One day, while browsing a local bookstore, he stumbled upon a book called "Process and Reality" by Alfred North Whitehead.

Intrigued by the title, Li Ming decided to purchase the book and read it in his spare time. As he read, he discovered a whole new way of thinking about the world and the universe.
​
Whitehead's philosophy, Li Ming learned, emphasized the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of process and change in our understanding of reality.

Whitehead believed that everything in the universe was constantly changing and evolving, and that all things were related to each other in a web of interconnectedness.
Li Ming found this idea fascinating, and began to see the world around him in a new light. He noticed how even the smallest events in his life were connected to larger processes and changes happening in the world.

As Li Ming continued to study Whitehead's philosophy, he also discovered the importance of creativity and the power of the human imagination in shaping the world around us. Whitehead believed that our thoughts and ideas have the power to shape the future, and that it is up to us to use our creativity and imagination to make the world a better place.

Li Ming felt inspired by these ideas, and decided to use his own creativity and imagination to make a difference in the world. He started a community art project in his hometown, where people could come together and create art that celebrated the interconnectedness of all things and the beauty of the natural world.
​
As more and more people joined the project, Li Ming realized that Whitehead's philosophy had the power to bring people together and inspire positive change. He felt grateful to have discovered this philosophy and was excited to see what other ideas it would lead him to in the future.

A New Cosmology
​​

In the beginning of this cosmic epoch, and there is no absolute beginning, there was a great expanse of darkness, endless and unfathomable. But then, a spark of energy emerged, a glimmer of light in the vastness. And with that spark, the universe was born.

The universe was not a blind shuffling of matter in motion. It was a vast organism, filled with many different realities. Atoms, molecules, stars, planets, hills, rivers, and life on Earth - and perhaps life on other planets too - all drawn towards a realization of whatever forms of harmony and intensity of experience were available to them.

The stars shone brightly, illuminating the vastness of space. They were the beacons of hope, the pillars of light that guided the way for all that followed. Planets formed around them, each one unique and different, with their own landscapes and ecosystems.

On one of these planets, a miracle occurred. Life emerged from the depths of the oceans, spreading across the land like a wildfire. Plants, animals, and eventually humans, all part of the great tapestry of life that wove its way through the universe.

But Earth was not the only place where life flourished. On other planets, in distant galaxies, there were other forms of life, each one unique and different, adapted to their own environments and conditions.

As the eons passed, the universe continued to evolve and change. New stars were born, and old ones died, creating new elements and substances that would go on to form new worlds. And in the midst of all this chaos and beauty, the universe continued to move towards a realization of its true nature.

The universe may well have no beginning or end, stretching out into infinity in all directions. But what mattered most was the journey it took to get there. A journey filled with wonder, excitement, joy, and sometimes, pain. But always moving forward, towards a greater understanding of itself, and the creatures that called it home.

And so, the universe continues to dance and sing, filled with the rhythms of life and the mysteries of existence. A vast organism, teeming with energy and potential, waiting to be explored and discovered by all those who seek to understand its secrets.

The journey continues today. The universe is a creative advance into novelty, lured by God, the sacred whole.

The Need for a Different
​ Kind of World
​

The world is full of suffering and pain,
A brokenness that often feels too great;
Yet in the midst of all this hurt and strain,
A vision of compassion we create.

For every being has intrinsic worth,
A value that transcends our human gaze;
And living with respect and care for Earth,
We build a world that's vibrant and ablaze.

Ecological civilization is our hope,
A path towards a future that's sustainable;
Where every creature has a way to cope,
And every voice is heard, in chorus full.

For the Earth is alive with value, too,
A living thing, a being all its own;
And when we build communities anew,
We weave together life's rich, vibrant tone.
​
So let us be kind to all that lives and breathes,
And know that we are part of Earth's great weave.

God in Process Theology

​(Emily Dickinson Style)
​

There is a theological view
That God's not quite what we once knew
For in this view, God's not static
But rather, God is quite dynamic

Process theology's what it's called
A view that's quite new, not old
It says that God is always changing
Not immutable, but rearranging

God's not a king upon a throne
But rather, God is always grown
In partnership with all creation
God's part of life's great conversation

God's not aloof or far away
But present in the world today
In every moment, every place
God's love and grace we can embrace
​
So, in process theology
God's not a distant mystery
But rather, a part of every story
A living force of hope and glory.

The Problem of Modernity
​
​

The problem of modernity is this,
That we have lost our sense of what we are;
We've forgotten community and joy,
And made a god of wealth that's gone too far.

We see the universe as purposeless,
And seek to fill the void with endless gain;
We value money over love and joy,
And lose ourselves in striving, loss, and pain.

But in this age of science and poetic thought,
We have the chance to see the world anew;
To find the worth of every life, the seeking and the sought,
And build a world that's just and good and true.

For in the end, it's not the wealth we gain,
But rather, who we are and who we love;
It's in the relationships we form and maintain,
And the intrinsic value of all life and care.

So let us find our way back to community,
And build a world of dignity and grace;
Where love and life are held in unity,
And every person has a valued place.

The Villagers and the Storm

Once upon a time, there was a small village nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains. The villagers lived simple lives, working the land and taking care of their families. They had a strong faith in a loving God who watched over them and protected them from harm.

One day, a terrible storm descended upon the village. The wind howled, and the rain poured down in sheets. The villagers huddled in their homes, hoping that the storm would pass quickly. But it didn't. The storm raged for days, and the rivers overflowed, sweeping away homes and fields.

As the storm finally began to subside, the villagers emerged from their homes to assess the damage. They were heartbroken. Everything they had worked so hard for was destroyed. The fields were flooded, the crops ruined, and many homes had been washed away.

The villagers turned to their spiritual leaders for answers. "Why did God allow this to happen?" they asked. "Why did he not protect us from the storm?"

The spiritual leaders gathered together and discussed the villagers' questions. They turned to the teachings of process theology, explaining that the storm was an example of non-moral evil, a part of the natural world that is beyond human control. They emphasized that God is all-loving but not all-powerful, that God never gives up on people but does not control things like a puppeteer.

The villagers listened to the teachings and struggled to understand how a loving God could allow such tragedy to occur. But as they began to rebuild their homes and fields, they started to see the truth in the teachings. They saw that they were not alone, that their community was strong and resilient, and that they could support each other through even the most difficult times.
​
Years passed, and the village thrived once again. But the memory of the storm remained, a reminder that the world is not always sweetness and light, that tragedy and pain are part of the natural world. And yet, the villagers also knew that they were loved and supported by a God who would never give up on them, even in their darkest moments.

The Many become One and
are Increased by One

(jazz style)

Listen now, to the jazz beat of life's song, Where the many become one, yet grow strong; In a cosmic dance, a tapestry woven, A symphony of moments, day and night open.

Each thread, a story unique and bright, A vibrant part of life's pulsing light; Together woven, in radiant fusion, A unity formed, in a harmonious diffusion.

In this oneness, each part is not lost, But increased, expanded, at no cost; A dance of being, both old and new, A fusion of truth, in a rhythm so true.

Yet as each moment gives way to the next, Something is lost, a memory perplexed; A price we pay for the present's beauty, A cost we bear for life's changing duty.
​
So let us see the many as the one, And be increased by all, from dusk till dawn; In this harmony, we'll find our true way, In a jazz beat of life, every night and day.

Stories within Stories

​(with a hint of T.S. Eliot)

In process theology, the universe we see
Is not a static, clockwork world of old,
But rather, a dynamic tapestry,
A dance of life in constant, fluid mold.

For every part, a story is unfurled,
A tale of process, change, and energy,
A vibrant interplay of world and world,
A web of experience and synergy.

No part is isolated, set apart,
For all is woven in the cosmic weave,
A living thing, an ever-changing art,
Where past and present ever interweave.
​
The universe is not a dead machine,
But a living, pulsing, ever-changing scene.
Dangerous but beautiful, always on the way
Companioned by love, and always to dream.

A Moment of Experience
​ in Process Theology

(in King James style)
​

Verily I say unto thee, a moment of experience,
Is not a static entity, nor a thing set in stone;
But rather, a process of becoming, with presence,
A vibrant, living flow that's ever grown.

For in each moment, God's hand is clearly shown,
A partner with creation in the cosmic dance;
A force that's always present, yet never known,
A loving guide that leads us in life's romance.

Thus, a moment of experience is more than chance,
A nexus of memories, perceptions, and desires;
A journey that we take with each step and glance,
A tapestry of life that forever inspires.
​
So, let us cherish every moment, every hour,
For in each one, God's grace and love have power.

​Potentialities and Actualities

​

And in the depths of God's expansive mind,
Pure potentials wait to be explored;
New possibilities for us to find,
Freshness and wonder, actuality implored.

These potentials are not more real than we,
But if we actualize them, they'll take hold;
And bring a world of greater diversity,
With stories yet untold, and tales unfold.

So let us seek out what lies deep within,
And strive to bring to life what might have been;
For in the union of these pure potentials,
The universe can flourish, and grow, and mend.

And as we journey on, with open hearts,
We'll see the world with brand new eyes;
Discovering within its endless parts,
The beauty of the universe, in fresh surprise.

Prehensions

In every moment, we feel the presence of others,
A dance of prehension, a symphony of colors.
People, memories, nature, ideas, our own flesh and bones,
All evoke a response, as our self-creativity hones.

Sometimes, the prehensions are joyful and light,
A source of happiness, that fills us with delight.
But other times, they can be painful and hard,
A heavy burden, that we struggle to discard.

The price we pay for feeling, includes suffering too,
A part of life, that we must learn to get through.
For in this act of prehension, we can create and grow,
But it also means, that we must endure the ebb and flow.

So let us cherish this prehensive dance,
Embrace the others, with a hopeful stance.
For in every feeling, whether it's joy or pain,
We can find strength, and grow through the strain.

Sarah and the Soul

Once upon a time, there was a young teenager named Sarah who had always been curious about the world and the mysteries of life. She loved spending time in nature, watching animals and wondering about their inner lives. One day, she came across a book that introduced her to the concept of the soul as a process, a series of subjects experiencing the world.

At first, Sarah was skeptical. She had always thought of the soul as a single substance, an eternal essence that defined who she was. But as she read more about the idea of the soul as a process, she began to see the world in a new light.

She watched a bird flying through the air and imagined that its soul was not a single substance, but a series of souls, a series of subjects experiencing the world, succeeding one another in time. She realized that the bird was not just a single entity, but a constantly evolving process, a living being that was always changing.

As she continued to explore this new way of thinking, Sarah began to see the world in a more dynamic and interconnected way. She saw that every living thing was a process, a series of subjects experiencing the world, each one unique and constantly changing. She felt a deep sense of connection to all of the living beings around her, and a new sense of wonder at the complexity and beauty of the world.

Over time, Sarah's new understanding of the soul as a process began to shape her entire worldview. She saw that everything in life was constantly changing and evolving, and that this was not something to fear, but something to embrace. She felt more connected to the natural world than ever before, and more open to the mysteries of life.

As she grew older, Sarah continued to explore these ideas, reading more and talking with others who shared her interest in the soul as a process. She knew that there was still so much to learn and discover, but she felt grateful for this new way of thinking that had opened her eyes to the richness and complexity of the world.

As Sarah continued to explore the idea of the soul as a process, she began to see herself in a new light as well. She realized that she, too, was a soul in process, constantly changing and evolving. She saw that she did not need to limit her sense of identity to any one phase of her life.

Sarah had always felt defined by the identities assigned to her and the identities she had chosen for herself. She had clung to these identities as if they were fixed and unchanging, but now she saw that this was not the case. She realized that she could let go of past identities, embrace new ones, and move on to new phases of her life.

This realization was both exhilarating and scary. Sarah felt a newfound sense of freedom, knowing that she was not bound by the limitations of her past. But she also felt a sense of uncertainty, wondering what her new identities would be and where they would take her.
Despite the uncertainty, Sarah was excited to explore the possibilities of her new understanding of the soul as a process. She knew that there would be challenges along the way, but she also knew that she was not alone. She felt a sense of connection to all of the other souls in process around her, and a sense of hope that together they could navigate the complexities of life.

In the years that followed, Sarah continued to embrace this new way of thinking about the soul and her own identity. She let go of old limitations and embraced new challenges and opportunities. She found that life was more vibrant and exciting than ever before, and that there was always more to discover and explore.

As Sarah continued to explore the idea of the soul as a process, she began to see herself in a new light as well. She realized that she, too, was a soul in process, constantly changing and evolving. She saw that she did not need to limit her sense of identity to any one phase of her life.

Sarah had always felt defined by the identities assigned to her and the identities she had chosen for herself. She had clung to these identities as if they were fixed and unchanging, but now she saw that this was not the case. She realized that she could let go of past identities, embrace new ones, and move on to new phases of her life.

This realization was both exhilarating and scary. Sarah felt a newfound sense of freedom, knowing that she was not bound by the limitations of her past. But she also felt a sense of uncertainty, wondering what her new identities would be and where they would take her.
Despite the uncertainty, Sarah was excited to explore the possibilities of her new understanding of the soul as a process. She knew that there would be challenges along the way, but she also knew that she was not alone. She felt a sense of connection to all of the other souls in process around her, and a sense of hope that together they could navigate the complexities of life.
​
In the years that followed, Sarah continued to embrace this new way of thinking about the soul and her own identity. She let go of old limitations and embraced new challenges and opportunities. She found that life was more vibrant and exciting than ever before, and that there was always more to discover and explore.

Emma's Mother:
​
A Continuing Journey after Death
​

Emma sat at her mother's bedside, holding her hand and watching as she slept. Her mother had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's several years ago, and her condition had worsened rapidly in recent months. Emma knew that her mother's time was running out, and she was determined to make sure that she was treated with dignity and respect until the very end.

Influenced by process theology, Emma believed that each person was a different "self" at different points in their lives. She knew that her mother's short-term memory and cognitive functions had deteriorated, but she also believed that her mother was still the same person she had always been, deep down inside.

Emma was determined to make sure that her mother was treated with dignity and respect, no matter what. She spent countless hours by her mother's side, talking to her, reading to her, and holding her hand. She knew that her mother might not remember any of it, but she believed that it was important to show her love and compassion, even if she couldn't fully understand it.

As her mother's condition worsened, Emma began to worry about what would happen after her mother passed away. She knew that her mother's journey would continue somehow, as did the journey of all people, lured by the One who loves each and all. But she wasn't sure what that meant, exactly, or how to prepare herself for it.

Despite her uncertainty, Emma remained steadfast in her belief that her mother deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. She made sure that her mother was comfortable, clean, and well-cared for, even as her condition worsened. And when her mother finally passed away, Emma felt a sense of peace and closure knowing that she had done everything in her power to ensure that her mother was treated with the love and compassion she deserved.
​
As Emma grieved her mother's passing, she continued to hold onto her belief in the One who loves each and all, and the idea that her mother's journey would continue somehow. She wasn't sure how it would all work, but she trusted in the power of love and the divine spark that lit up the universe, guiding all of its creatures towards their destiny. And in that belief, she found comfort and hope for the future.

God in Process Theology

(Haiku style)
​

God in constant change
With creation, a partner
Process theology.