📖 Overview
David Ray Griffin (1939-2022) was an American professor, philosopher, and author known for his work in philosophy of religion, theology, and his later controversial writings about the September 11 attacks. He served as a professor of philosophy of religion and theology at the Claremont School of Theology from 1973 to 2004.
Griffin authored numerous books on process theology, religious pluralism, and the relationship between science and religion. His academic work was heavily influenced by philosopher Alfred North Whitehead's process philosophy, and he co-founded the Center for Process Studies in 1973.
In the years following 2001, Griffin shifted his focus to writing about 9/11, publishing several books that questioned the official account of the events. He became one of the most prominent academic voices in the 9/11 truth movement, though his views on this topic were rejected by mainstream scholars.
Griffin published over 30 books throughout his career, spanning topics from theological constructivism to political criticism. His earlier theological works, including "God, Power, and Evil: A Process Theodicy" (1976) and "Religion and Scientific Naturalism" (2000), remain influential in the field of process theology.
👀 Reviews
Readers polarize sharply on Griffin's work, with stark differences between reviews of his theological books versus his 9/11-related publications.
What readers liked about his theological works:
- Clear explanations of complex process theology concepts
- Thorough engagement with philosophical arguments
- Strong scholarly citations and references
- Logical structure and systematic analysis
What readers disliked:
- Dense academic writing style
- Repetitive arguments in later books
- Perceived bias in 9/11 works
- Limited accessibility for non-academic readers
His theological books receive average ratings of 4.1-4.3 on Goodreads, while his 9/11 books average 3.2-3.8. Amazon reviews show similar splits.
Reader quote on theology work: "Griffin expertly navigates difficult philosophical terrain while maintaining academic rigor" (Goodreads)
Critical review of 9/11 work: "Selective use of evidence undermines otherwise detailed research" (Amazon)
Note: Most online reviews focus on his post-2001 works rather than his earlier theological scholarship.
📚 Books by David Ray Griffin
The New Pearl Harbor (2004)
Examines evidence and questions regarding the official account of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The 9/11 Commission Report: Omissions and Distortions (2005) Analyzes the 9/11 Commission Report and identifies what the author considers to be discrepancies and excluded evidence.
Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11 (2006) Connects theological perspectives with interpretations of the September 11 events and American foreign policy.
Debunking 9/11 Debunking (2007) Responds to various publications that supported the official narrative of the September 11 attacks.
The American Empire and the Commonwealth of God (2006) Discusses American foreign policy through the lens of political theology and international relations.
Whitehead's Radically Different Postmodern Philosophy (2007) Explores the philosophical work of Alfred North Whitehead and its relevance to contemporary thought.
Unsnarling the World-Knot (1998) Examines consciousness studies and the mind-body problem through process philosophy.
Religion and Scientific Naturalism (2000) Analyzes the relationship between religious thought and scientific materialism.
Reenchantment Without Supernaturalism (2001) Presents a naturalistic interpretation of religious experience and theological concepts.
The New Pearl Harbor Revisited (2008) Updates and expands upon the author's earlier analysis of the September 11 attacks.
The Mysterious Collapse of World Trade Center 7 (2009) Focuses specifically on the collapse of WTC Building 7 and related evidence.
Cognitive Infiltration (2011) Responds to Cass Sunstein's proposals about dealing with conspiracy theories.
Bush and Cheney: How They Ruined America and the World (2017) Examines the policies and actions of the Bush administration and their global impact.
The 9/11 Commission Report: Omissions and Distortions (2005) Analyzes the 9/11 Commission Report and identifies what the author considers to be discrepancies and excluded evidence.
Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11 (2006) Connects theological perspectives with interpretations of the September 11 events and American foreign policy.
Debunking 9/11 Debunking (2007) Responds to various publications that supported the official narrative of the September 11 attacks.
The American Empire and the Commonwealth of God (2006) Discusses American foreign policy through the lens of political theology and international relations.
Whitehead's Radically Different Postmodern Philosophy (2007) Explores the philosophical work of Alfred North Whitehead and its relevance to contemporary thought.
Unsnarling the World-Knot (1998) Examines consciousness studies and the mind-body problem through process philosophy.
Religion and Scientific Naturalism (2000) Analyzes the relationship between religious thought and scientific materialism.
Reenchantment Without Supernaturalism (2001) Presents a naturalistic interpretation of religious experience and theological concepts.
The New Pearl Harbor Revisited (2008) Updates and expands upon the author's earlier analysis of the September 11 attacks.
The Mysterious Collapse of World Trade Center 7 (2009) Focuses specifically on the collapse of WTC Building 7 and related evidence.
Cognitive Infiltration (2011) Responds to Cass Sunstein's proposals about dealing with conspiracy theories.
Bush and Cheney: How They Ruined America and the World (2017) Examines the policies and actions of the Bush administration and their global impact.
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