ORT Shorts: Recent Episodes
Thomas Jay Oord
Open and Relational theology just makes sense... at least that's what most people say when they discover it. This podcast offers 3-minute short episodes -- "shorts" -- on this perspective on God. Episodes offer insights, inspiration, and information, and a few are posted each week. Dr. Thomas Jay Oord hosts this podcast. He's a best-selling author, world-renown speaker, and leading voice in this burgeoning field. Dr. Oord directs a Center and Doctoral Program in Open and Relational Theology too. Subscribe if you're tired of conventional theology and want a perspective that both makes sense and fits life as we live it.
Theology Beer Camp 2026 will take place Oct. 8-10 in Kansas City, MO.
Thomas Jay Oord and Jonathan Foster will facilitate a special Theology Beer Camp pregame all day on October 8 alongside theologians, authors, philosophers, and practitioners exploring topics like:
- Open and relational theology and an evolving God
- Preaching and ministry through an ORT lens
- Theology centered on love and relationship
- Whitehead, Teilhard de Chardin, and process thought
- Neuro-relational theology
- Faith, freedom, science, creativity, and the future
For full information and registration for Theology Beer Camp Pregame visit:
https://theologybeer.camp/pre-event
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with Brandon Evans book entitled The Parable of the Road.
The Parable of the Road is a fiercely funny, brutally honest, and ultimately healing post-evangelical novel about rediscovering God and recovering hope. With biting wit and deeply tender insight, it’s a redemptive story that will be cathartic for anyone searching for meaning on the other side of deconstructed faith.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the new book from Ulrick Dam entitled Inspire, Equip, Empower: How to Lead with Love, Inspire Your People, and Build a Thriving Church.
Author Ulrick Dam understands Church leadership is hard and can be messy, exhausting, and often lonely. Yet it can also be life-giving, transformative, and grounded in the radical way of Jesus.
Inspire, Equip, Empower offers a new path forward – one rooted in relational leadership, bold compassion, and everyday courage. This book won’t give you three magic steps. But it will give you tools, stories, and a framework to build a church that thrives on love, justice, and empowerment.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the new little book from Ian Todd entitled Veridical-Experiential Theology (VET): Christianity that takes 'extraordinary' evidence seriously.
In the book, author Ian Todd explores three areas of evidence are considered: near-death experiences (including out-of-body experiences), reincarnation and miraculous healings. The result is that VET is neither theologically conservative/fundamental nor ultra-liberal but is compatible with progressive theologies such as Open and Relational Theology.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the book from Jonathan Bentley entitled Shadowing St. Francis: A Pilgrimage of Sacred Emergence in the Age of AI.
Blending travel narrative with open and relational theology, Shadowing St. Francis follows Jonathan Bentley from Florence to Assisi to Rome, walking the ancient path of a man who still has something to say — to those exhausted by certainty, wounded by the church, and wondering what faith looks like in a world of algorithms and anxiety.
In this episode Dr. Oord continues to engage with the book Renewing Faith: Reigniting Faith and Ministry through Process and Open and Relational Theologies, a compilation of essays written for pastors, spiritual leaders and seekers ready to reimagine Christianity for today's world.
Dr. Oord reads a portion of one of the essays entitled A Faith Adventure, by Carlton Larsen who recounts the ways in which process theology has reinvigorated his faith.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the book Renewing Faith: Reigniting Faith and Ministry through Process and Open and Relational Theologies, a compilation of essays edited by Sheri Kling.
Broken down into 7 sections, the book is written for pastors, spiritual leaders and seekers ready to reimagine Christianity for today's world.
Rooted in the real-life experiences of people and communities who are courageously rethinking and renewing their faith, these pages explore:
- Renewing Faith – Can faith become life-giving again?
- Renewing God – What if God is deeply relational and always present?
- Renewing Jesus – How is Jesus still saving us today?
- Renewing Message – Can ancient texts still inspire transformation?
- Renewing Worship – What remains sacred and nourishing in our rituals?
- Renewing Spirit – How do practices of the Spirit bring healing and wholeness?
- Renewing Community – What does a renewing church or ministry look like?
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the book Second Thoughts About Hell: Understanding What We Believe by Ronald Allen and Robert Cornwall.
In the book Allen and Cornwall guide the reader through the historical interpretation of hell, allowing the reader to decide what view(s) of hell make the most theological and ethical sense to them, while concluding by offering their personal thoughts on hell. The book includes a study guide making it an excellent small group study resource.
In this episode, Dr. Oord continues to engage with the new book from Chad Bahl entitled The Death of Supernaturalism: The Case for Process Naturalism. This book, the culmination of Bahl's doctoral work at Northwind Seminary, combines the thoughts of theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher and philosopher Alfred North Whitehead, espousing a process naturalist view of God—one which sees God as relational, persuasive and embedded within the natural world, providing a solution to the problem of evil.
The Death of Supernaturalism: The Case for Process Naturalism is now available for purchase in paperback and e-book formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the new book from Chad Bahl entitled The Death of Supernaturalism: The Case for Process Naturalism. This book, the culmination of Bahl's doctoral work at Northwind Seminary, combines the thoughts of theologian Friedrich Schleiermacher and philosopher Alfred North Whitehead, espousing a process naturalist view of God—one which sees God as relational, persuasive and embedded within the natural world.
The Death of Supernaturalism: The Case for Process Naturalism is now available for purchase in paperback and e-book formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the final chapter of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as he discusses the problem of good, the challenge of how to understand miracles in relation to science and and the God of amipotent love, and ways of understanding God's will for creation.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with chapter 14 of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as lays out his six-fold proposal for solving the problem of evil, the biggest challenge to belief in God for many atheists and agnostics.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with chapter 13 of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as he unpacks his view of Amipotent Providence.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with chapter 12 of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as he follows his critique of the traditional belief that God created out of nothing (Creatio Ex Nihilo) by proposing his creation theory, God as Ever Creator.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with chapter 11 of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as he discusses and critiques the traditional belief that God created out of nothing (Creatio Ex Nihilo) while exploring various alternative ways of understanding creation.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with chapter 10 of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as he discusses the proper role of mystery.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with chapter 9 of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as he discusses a loving God who experiences time moment by moment, unchanging in God's essence but constantly changing in how God experiences creation.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with chapter 8 of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as he discusses the reasons for believing the Spirit is a Relational Person Who Feels.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with chapter 7 of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as he discusses God as a loving Spirit of uncontrolling love
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with chapter 6 of his new book A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation as he discusses the challenges of reconciling a God of love with the ways in which God has traditionally been understood as omnipotent.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
After a hiatus, ORTShorts has returned with a series of episodes engaging with Dr. Oord's new book, A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the chapter 5 of the book as he discusses how to understand how God relates to creation as a universal, relational loving Spirit. Rather than understanding God as a being with a localized body or being itself, Dr. Oord proposes a God whose essence is love as a being a dynamic Spirit who is always becoming in experiential relationship with creation.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
After a hiatus, ORTShorts has returned with a series of episodes engaging with Dr. Oord's new book, A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the chapter 4 of the book as he discusses the implications of a God who is a universal, bodiless, active Spirit with both material and mental dimensions.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
After a hiatus, ORTShorts has returned with a series of episodes engaging with Dr. Oord's new book, A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the chapter 3 of the book as he discusses his definition of love and identifying love as the orienting concern of this systematic theology.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
After a hiatus, ORTShorts has returned with a series of episodes engaging with Dr. Oord's new book, A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the second chapter of the book as he discusses the reasons for love and how traditional arguments for God's existence, while having some merit, are not finally convincing for many.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
After a hiatus, ORTShorts has returned with a series of episodes engaging with Dr. Oord's new book, A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God & Creation
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the first chapter of the book as he discusses the primacy of love and the reasons a book of this kind has not been previously written.
A Systematic Theology of Love - Volume 1: God and Creation is now available for purchase in hardcover, paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with some key paradigm shifts compatible with Open and Relational Theology in the book Evolution and Divine Love: The Eternal Becoming of God, Soul, and Matter written by Gaudiya Vaishnava monk, scholar and spiritual teacher Swami Bhakti Pranaya Padmanabha.
Drawing from Hindu Devotional Vedanta, psychology, modern science, and mystical insights from multiple traditions, this bold and tender work reimagines the spiritual journey as a process of ever-deepening relationship—with the Divine, with the world, and with our evolving selves.
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with the new book from Greg Boyd and Scott Boren entitled God Looks Like Jesus: A Renewed Approach to Understanding God.
In this accessible introduction to understanding the character of God, author Gregory A. Boyd, with M. Scott Boren, lays out the radical truth at the heart of this movement: the conviction that God looks like Jesus. In other words, in the life, ministry, and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, we see the embodiment of God’s very essence—a love that is humble, other-oriented, and self-sacrificial.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with God and Faith: Thinking About God with Keith Ward, a collection of essays from distinguished scholars with responses from one of our generation's most important theologians.
Perfect for students, scholars, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of theology, philosophy, and science, this book offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of faith and reason.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the new book written by Paul E. Johnson entitled, Talking With God: Imagination, Inspiration, and Prayer in the Age of Neuroscience.
Offering a fresh, integrated perspective for those who struggle with the dissonance between their experience in the physical world and a healing spiritual life, this work navigates a path to reconcile religious spirituality with science. It also sheds light on an integrated view of science and religious belief, accepting the physicality of consciousness while allowing for spirituality in the form of divine inspiration. Talking with God is an original academic contribution to the field of science and religion and an indispensable read for researchers and readers interested in the concept of belief and belief change from a neuroscientific perspective.
In this episode, Dr. Oord uses the 2024 presidential assassination attempt, as a case study to discuss and critique unhealthy ideas about God's relation to creation in response to violence, suffering and evil.
In his new book, Is It God's Will: Making Sense of Tragedy, Luck, and Hope in a World Gone Wrong, journalist and author Brandon Ambrosino argues that theologians have been poorly equipped to confront these questions, because many hang on to an omnipotent model of God. In his book, Ambrosino provides us with the tools to understand and process grief but also presents a refreshing portrait of less a God of power, and more of one of persuasion, who can still provide a residue of hope in a world gone wrong.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses the recent Speaking to a Modern World conference which took place in Charlotte, NC gathering together Open and Relational Theologians from across the country.
The conference was hosted by Russ Dean, co-pastor of Park Road Baptist Church, who has written a new book entitled The Story as We Have Received It: On the Making of Gospel Truth
To access audio recordings from the conference, visit: https://c4ort.com/speaking-to-a-modern-world-audio-recordings/
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages the new book from pediatrician and Open and Relational theologian Dr. Chris Hanson.
Dr. Hanson's book, entitled Open and Relational Parenting: Loving Parents Reflecting a Loving God, bridges child development research with open and relational theology to present a transformative model for modern parenting which rejects authoritarian parenting styles often rooted in classical theism, in favor of a vision of parenting that mirrors a loving, responsive, co-creative God.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the work of Tracy Tucker and his new book, Can We Talk About Death?: An Open and Relational Vision.
For chaplain and theologian Tracy Tucker, both the language of life and death reflects one's thoughts and convictions and his new book explores (un)healthy language and pathways for speaking about death and walking alongside those approaching the end of life.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages the theme of prayer in conversation with Gayle Hansen Browne's new book, Wild Geese Rising: Living Prayer as Moment-by-Moment Contemplative Action.
For Hansen Browne, prayer arises as a way of beholding and befriending life. This book transforms the practice of “saying our prayers” into an instinctive way of living prayer as moment-by-moment contemplative action.
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses the annual upcoming Theology Beer Camp which will include special Open and Relational Theology pre-sessions.
This year Theology Beer Camp takes place October 16-18 in St. Paul, Minnesota with the pre-Theology ORT sessions taking place the morning of October 16.
For information and registration visit: https://www.theologybeercamp2025.com/
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses the theme of divine hiddenness in conversation with a new book by Tim Miller entitled The Silence of the Lamb: Exploring the Hiddenness of Christ and God
In the book, Tim Miller highlights a variety of explanations over the centuries for why a God of love might exist yet seem so silent and hidden, giving particular attention to Process and Open and Relational ideas as well as proposing novel ideas for reconciling a God of love with the divine hiddenness so many experience.
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with the new book from Chris Baker, The Invitation: How Open and Relational Theology Enhances N.T. Wright's Use of Vocation in Atonement.
In this new book, Chris Baker attempts to express the strengths of N.T. Wright's connection between vocation and atonement as seen through the lens of Open and Relational Theology.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the book written by Tripp Fuller entitled, Divine Self Investment: An Open and Relational Constructive Christology.
In the book, Fuller offers a robust constructive Christology that engages three theological registers - historical, existential, and metaphysical. Beginning Christology not from above or below but from within the Disciple’s confession of Jesus as the Christ, Fuller constructs a powerful Open and Relational Christology
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Michael Rose entitled, A Beautiful Hope. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 1 of a 2 volume work which interacts further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Andre Rabe entitled, The Miraculous Nature of Our World in which he discusses and nuances an Open and Relational understanding of miracles. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
In this episode, Dr. Oord re-engages with a new book from C.S. Pearce and Philip Clayton entitled, Science and the Sacred: Beyond the Gods in Our Image.
In this beautifully written book, an atheist (Pearce) and a theist (Clayton) explore the intersection points of science and the Sacred. Despite their differences, both authors find themselves in agreement that believing in a God who is both good and all-powerful is problematic.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with a new book from C.S. Pearce and Philip Clayton entitled, Science and the Sacred: Beyond the Gods in Our Image.
In this beautifully written book, an atheist (Pearce) and a theist (Clayton) explore the intersection points of science and the Sacred. Honestly acknowledging their differences, they discover unexpected common ground across every branch of science and many of the most urgent ethical and spiritual questions humanity now faces.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with a new book from Clifford Chalmers Cain entitled, God, Pandemics and the Holocaust.
In the book, Cain honestly explores conceptions of God no longer satisfactory to human experience, and understandings of God that can make sense in a world that is both wonderful and woeful.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Josh Patterson entitled, Amipotence (Perhaps) in which he engages with the work of John Caputo. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Josh will also be a speaker at the annual Open and Relational Conference (ORTCON25) will take place from June 30 - July 4 at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming.
ORTCON25 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, and activists. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways of imagining God and the universe.
A number of Open and Relational speakers will be present at the conference including Anna Case-Winters and Brian McLaren.
To register for the conference visit: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
What drives some people to embrace high handed leaders and Christian Nationalism while other people don't? This is the question explored in this episode where Dr. Oord shares an excerpt from the book he co-authored with Tripp Fuller entitled God After Deconstruction. In a chapter on Christian Nationalism Oord and Fuller engage with the work of Dr. John Sanders who, in his book Embracing Prodigals, distinguishes between three cognitive models social scientists identify as reasons for different parenting styles, political allegiances and views of God--authoritative, nurturant and permissive.
To explore these important ideas further, pick up a copy of God After Deconstruction and Embracing Prodigals.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the book entitled The Old Testament and Process Theology by Robert Gnuse.
Gnuse writes in his book commenting on the relationality of God with creation in the Old Testament, "To speak of God as active in human history implies that God can enter into a process of interrelationship involving contingency and change-- not only for humanity, but for God."
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Doral Hayes entitled, Uncontrolled Worship. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Doral Hayes will be one of the speakers at the upcoming Uncontrolling Love of God Conference in the UK on June 4-6. For information and registration visit: https://www.pcnbritain.org.uk/events/detail/uncontrolling-love-of-god
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses a book of 12 essays edited by Dr. Andrew Davis entitled, From Force to Persuasion: Process-Relational Perspectives on Power and the God of Love
Each of the 12 essays, written from esteemed process-relational theologians, focuses on reframing understandings of divine power in light of the essential divine attribute--love.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Shaleen Kendrick entitled, Neural Relational Amipotence. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Shaleen Kendrick will also be one of the many speakers at ORTCON25.
ORTCON25 the annual Open and Relational Conference (ORTCON25) will take place from June 30 - July 4 at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways of imagining God and the universe.
A number of Open and Relational speakers will be present at the conference including Anna Case-Winters and Brian McLaren.
To register for the conference visit: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses a new book from Keith Ward entitled, Karl Barth on Religion: A Critique. In this study, Keith Ward offers a detailed critique of Barth's views on religion and revelation as articulated in Church Dogmatics.
ORTCON25 the annual Open and Relational Conference (ORTCON25) will take place from June 30 - July 4 at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways of imagining God and the universe.
A number of Open and Relational speakers will be present at the conference including Anna Case-Winters and Brian McLaren.
To register for the conference visit: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Chris Hanson entitled, Theology, Pediatrics and Everyday Life. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Chris will also be a speaker at the annual Open and Relational Conference (ORTCON25) will take place from June 30 - July 4 at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming.
ORTCON25 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, and activists. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways of imagining God and the universe.
A number of Open and Relational speakers will be present at the conference including Anna Case-Winters and Brian McLaren.
To register for the conference visit: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the recently published book, Whitehead and Teilhard: From Organism to Omega. The book, edited by Ilia Delio and Andrew Davis, is a compilation of essays interacting with the work of philosopher Alfred North Whitehead and paleontologist and theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
The Center for Christogenesis will be hosting an upcoming online conference May 2-4 entitled Rethinking Religion in an Age of Science. Registration is now open to further explore together the ideas of Whitehead and Teilhard at the intersection of science and religion.
The first ever Open and Relational Theology in the UK will take place June 4 - 6 at the Highgate House Conference Centre, a beautiful venue in Northampton, United Kingdom, perfect for deep conversations and meaningful connections.
Accommodation is ensuite and full board. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to delve into the mysteries of divine love!
For more information and registration for the conference visit: https://c4ort.com/uk-conference-the-uncontrolling-love-of-god/
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the new book from Michael Brennan entitled Flourish: An Open and Relational Queer Theology. Michael Brennan will be one of many speakers at the upcoming Open and Relational Theology Conference (ORTCON25) June 30 - July 4.
For information and registration visit: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
The annual Open and Relational Conference (ORTCON25) will take place from June 30 - July 4 at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming.
ORTCON25 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, and activists. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways of imagining God and the universe.
A number of Open and Relational speakers will be present at the conference including Anna Case-Winters and Brian McLaren.
To register for the conference visit: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Brandon Brown entitled, The Prevenience of Amipotence. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work (co-edited by Brandon Brown) interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Anna Case-Winters entitled, Love Without Qualification. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 1 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Anna Case-Winters will be one of numerous keynote speakers at the upcoming ORTCON25 conference taking place June 30 - July 4 at the picturesque Grand Targhee Resort. More information and registration details visit https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Donna Bowman entitled, Even God Can't Have It All. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 1 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Jason Tripp entitled, Is God a Hypocrite? This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Bruce Epperly entitled, The Politics of Amipotence. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Bruce is one of 30 authors participating in the ORTLINE25 Open and Relational Theology Online Conference (Feb. 20 - 22, 2025) where he will discuss his book, The God of Tomorrow: Whitehead and Teilhard on Metaphysics, Mysticism and Mission. Register today.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Lina Langby entitled, The Holy Spirit is Amipotence Manifested. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Lina will be one of 30 authors participating in the upcoming ORTLINE25 Open and Relational Theology Online Conference (Feb. 20 - 22, 2025) where she will discuss her book, God and the World: Pragmatic and Epistemic Arguments for Panentheistic and Pantheistic Conceptions of the God-world Relationship. Register today.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Chad Bahl entitled, A Solution to the Problem of Divine Hiddenness. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Chad will be one of 30 authors participating in the upcoming ORTLINE25 Open and Relational Theology Online Conference (Feb. 20 - 22, 2025) where he will discuss his new book, Mornings with Schleiermacher: A Devotional Inspired by the Father of Modern Theology. Register today.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Steve Harper entitled, Amipotence in the Wesleyan Tradition. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Steve Harper will be one of 30 authors participating in the upcoming ORTLINE25 Open and Relational Theology Online Conference (Feb. 20 - 22, 2025) where he will discuss his new book, It is Finished: God's Universal Salvation. Register today.
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Kelly James Clark entitled, The Power of Love. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 1 of a 2 volume work which interacts further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Kelly will be one of 30 authors participating in the upcoming ORTLINE25 Open and Relational Theology Online Conference (Feb. 20 - 22, 2025) as he and panelists interact with his book God and the Problems of Love. Register today.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Catherine Keller entitled, Suffering and the Amipotent God. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Dr. Keller will be one of 30 authors participating in the upcoming ORTLINE25 Open and Relational Theology Online Conference (Feb. 20 - 22, 2025) where she will discuss her new book, No Matter What: Crisis and the Spirit of Planetary Possibility. Register today.
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Melissa Owens Stewart entitled, Good Lord Willing. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 1 of a 2 volume work co-edited by Melissa which interacts further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Melissa will be one of many panelists interacting with be one of approximately 30 authors participating in the upcoming ORTLINE25 Open and Relational Theology Online Conference (Feb. 20 - 22, 2025). Register today.
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Deanna Young entitled, What the World Needs Now...Amipotence. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
Deanna Young will be one of approximately 30 authors participating in the upcoming ORTLINE25 Open and Relational Theology Online Conference (Feb. 20 - 22, 2025)
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses and extends an open invitation to attend ORTCON25. Held at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming, ORTCON25 is an in-person conference exploring topics in Open and Relational Theology. (June 30 - July 4, 2025)
ORTCON25 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, and activists. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways of imagining God and the universe. This year some of the featured speakers include Brian McLaren, Anna Case-Winters, John Pohl and many others.
For information and registration visit: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with the work of Dr. John Pohl, professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and recent DThM graduate of Northwind Theological Seminary. Dr. Pohl has recently published his doctoral thesis entitled, A Theology of the Microbiome: An Intersection of Divinity and the Microbial Life Within Us.
Dr. John Pohl will be one of many authors in attendance at the upcoming ORTLine25 Open and Relational Online Conference which will be held February 20-22, 2025. Registration is now open for this online conference featuring about 30 Open and Relational authors/books.
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with the work of Christopher Fisher who has compiled a 6 volume series entitled God is Open. In volume 2 entitled "The Influence of Greek Ideas and Usages upon the Christian Church", Fisher and Edwin Hatch explore the cultural and theological changes which occurred when Christianity encountered the Hellenistic world.
Christopher Fisher will be one of many authors in attendance at the upcoming ORTLine25 Open and Relational Online Conference which will be held February 20-22, 2025. Registration is now open for this online conference featuring about 30 Open and Relational authors/books.
In this episode Dr. Oord interacts with a section on Christian Nationalism in the book co-authored with Tripp Fuller entitled God After Deconstruction
This will be one of many books discussed and explored further by authors and panelists at the upcoming ORTLine25 Open and Relational Online Conference which will be held February 20-22, 2025. Registration is now open for this online conference featuring about 30 Open and Relational authors/books.
In this episode Dr. Oord continues to interact with the new book from Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan M. Shaw entitled, Surviving God: A New Vision of God through the Eyes of Sexual Abuse Survivors.
This will be one of many books discussed and explored further by authors and panelists at the upcoming ORTLine25 Open and Relational Online Conference which will be held February 20-22, 2025. Registration is now open for this online conference featuring about 30 Open and Relational authors/books.
In this episode Dr. Oord interacts with the new book from Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan M. Shaw entitled, Surviving God: A New Vision of God through the Eyes of Sexual Abuse Survivors.
This will be one of many books discussed and explored further by authors and panelists at the upcoming ORTLine25 Open and Relational Online Conference which will be held February 20-22, 2025. Registration is now open for this online conference featuring about 30 Open and Relational authors/books.
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with the new book from John Wesley Dally entitled, Putting Essential Kenosis to the Test: Applying the Wesleyan Quadrilateral
John Dally will be one of 30 authors present to discuss their books at the upcoming ORTLine25 Open and Relational Conference Online held February 20-22. To register visit: https://c4ort.com/ortline25-feb-20-22-2025/
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the work of Andrew Davis in conversation with Alfred North Whitehead's understanding of the goodness of God and how (not to) understand Whitehead's statement that "God is a little oblivious to morals".
For more on Davis' work on this topic, visit:
https://www.openhorizons.org/andrew-davis-in-munich-on-the-goodness-of-whiteheads-god.html
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the idea of non dualistic interrelationality in the book The Great Open Dance: A Progressive Christian Theology, written by Jon Paul Sydnor.
Sydnor will be one of about 30 authors featured at the upcoming Open and Relational Theology Online Conference (ORTLine25) February 20-22, 2025.
More more information and to register for this online conference visit:
https://c4ort.com/ortline25-feb-20-22-2025/
In the wake of the recent U.S. election, Dr. Oord discusses the implications of ascribing the titles like 'King of Kings' to God. Those implications include giving properties to God belonging exclusively to Caesar, and affording excess privileges and power to political leaders.
In his book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence, Dr. Oord makes a compelling case for abandoning traditional ideas of omnipotence ascribed to God in favor of what he coins, 'amipotence'--the power of uncontrolling love.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with one of the essays in the recently released collaborative book entitled "Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God: Sermons, Essays, and Worship Elements from the Perspective of Open, Relational, and Process Theology"
The essay, "Great News--We Get to Preach Politics!" written by Pete Shaw, is one of more than 75 contributions to the new book, now available in print and ebook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the newest book by of Shai Held, President and Dean at the Hadar Institute in New York City.
The book is entitled Judaism is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life and is now available in print, e-book and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with Eleanor O'Donnell's book The Relational Power of God: Considering the Rebel Voice which discusses the power of God and creation, from a relational-process lens.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with a section of the new book, God After Deconstruction which focuses on how Open and Relational Theology prioritizes love in ways more coherent and attractive than traditional theologies.
God After Deconstruction, co-authored by Thomas Jay Oord and Tripp Fuller, is available in print, e-book and audiobook formats.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with an essay from Thomas Hermans-Webster discussing the eucharist entitled, "God's Cosmic Table". This essay is one of many compiled in the new book, Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God: Sermons, Essays and Worship Elements from the Perspective of Open, Relational, and Process Theology.
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the work of David Ray Griffin, discussing Naturalistic Theism in his book, Process Theology: On Postmodernism, Morality, Pluralism, Eschatology, and Demonic Evil.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with a chapter in the recently released book "God After Deconstruction" discussing issues related to sexuality and gender diversity. Interacting with Aristotle's essentialism and Darwinian evolution, Oord and co-author Tripp Fuller espouse a non-binary theology, which celebrates complexity and diversity in creation, while seeking to promote well-being rooted in love.
For more on this topic and others causing many to walk away from religion, faith and/or God pick up a copy of God After Deconstruction.
In this episode, Dr. Oord pays tribute to influential author and open and relational theologian Joseph Bracken who recently passed away.
One of the last things Joseph Bracken wrote was an essay for the book, Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God: Sermons, Essays and Worship Elements from the Perspective of Open, Relational and Process Theology which is now available for purchase, along with many other works from Joseph Bracken, an important voice in the open and relational/process community.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with Nichole Torbitzky's sermon, Go Back to Galilee, one of more than 70 contributions compiled in the book, Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God: Sermons, Essays and Worship Elements from the Perspective of Open, Relational, and Process Theology.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with a chapter in the book, God After Deconstruction which focuses on Christian Nationalism, a major reason many walk away from the church and/or faith.
The theme of Christian Nationalism is one of many highlighted in the accessible book God After Deconstruction, co-written by Thomas Jay Oord and Tripp Fuller.
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with Eric Seibert, a leading expert on biblical passages portraying God as violent. Seibert's latest book, Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts in Church and Ministry is an excellent, practical resource for those wrestling with troublesome texts in the Bible.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with a sermon by Lukas Targosz entitled "Future Needs a Big Kiss". This is one of many Open and Relational sermons, essays and worship elements contained in the book,Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God: Sermons, Essays, and Worship Elements from the Perspective of Open, Relational, and Process Theology
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with a sermon by Vikki Randall entitled To Be Emptied. This is one of many sermons, essays and worship elements contained in the book,Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God: Sermons, Essays, and Worship Elements from the Perspective of Open, Relational, and Process Theology
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with Saida Mirsadri's essay in the book Open and Relational Theology and its Social and Political Implications: Muslim and Christian Perspectives as she discusses a Process Relational worldview.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the work of Saida Mirsadri. Misadri is one of the contributors to the new book Open and Relational Theology and its Social and Political Implications: Muslim and Christian Perspectives.
In her contribution, Misadri engages with the work of Muhammad Iqbal, an important Muslim open and relational thinker.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the chapter in the book God After Deconstruction (co-authored by Thomas Jay Oord and Tripp Fuller) focusing on politics and Christian Nationalism, one of many reasons people undergo spiritual deconstruction.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the new book from T.C. Moore entitled, Forged: Following Jesus Into a New Kind of Family.
Oord reads a section of the book where Moore discusses the Politics of Jesus and the responsibility to leverage privileges in the pursuit of justice and shalom.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the new book from leading openness philosopher Alan Rhoda entitled Open Theism (part of the Cambridge Elements series).
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses the theme of religious pluralism, one of nine themes discussed in the new book God After Deconstruction co-authored by Thomas Jay Oord & Tripp Fuller.
To explore this and other themes which cause people to deconstruct their faith pick up a copy of God After Deconstruction.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the recently released book entitled Open and Relational Theology and its Social and Political Implications: Muslim and Christian Perspectives.
This volume brings together Muslim and Christian Open and Relational voices highlighting areas of common ground in an effort to pursue cooperation over competition.
In this episode. Dr. Oord interacts with the new book Judaism is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life written by Jewish Open and Relational author and theologian Rabbi Shai Held.
Rabbi Shai Held is the president, dean, and chair in Jewish thought at the Hadar Institute in New York City.
In this episode Dr. Oord interacts with Curtis Holtzen's latest book, The God Who Trusts: A Relational Theology of Divine Faith, Hope and Love.
Dr. Holtzen is a professor of philosophy and theology at Hope International University and will be one of many speakers at this summer's ORTCON24 event taking place July
8-12.
Held at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming, ORTCON24 is an in-person conference exploring topics in Open and Relational Theology.
ORTCON24 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, and activists. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways of imagining God and the universe.
To register for ORTCON24 visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortcon24-tickets-780414600077
In this episode, Dr. Oord shares an excerpt from Jonathan Foster's book Indigo: The Color of Grief. Jonathan will be one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming ORTCON 2024 (July 8-12, 2024).
Held at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming, ORTCON24 is an in-person conference exploring topics in Open and Relational Theology.
ORTCON24 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, and activists. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways of imagining God and the universe.
Pre-registration is now open. For information and registration visit:
https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
In this episode Dr. Oord shares some thoughts from the conclusion of the new book project he and Tripp Fuller have recently released entitled God After Deconstruction.
Having gone through their own deconstructions firsthand, Tom and Tripp share Open and Relational ideas many have adopted to find healing and wholeness coming out of the trauma of deconstruction.
Tom and Tripp are also offering a God After Deconstruction class to discuss these important themes further. For more information visit: http://godafterdeconstruction.com/
In this episode Dr. Oord reads an excerpt from one of the sermons (The Underbelly of Novelty) in a new book entitledPreaching the Uncontrolling Love of God.
This book is a compilation of sermons, essays and worship resources with close to 75 contributors written from Open & Relational/Process perspectives with clergy, worship facilitators, those teaching homiletics and interested laypersons primarily in mind.
To celebrate the release of the book, a 2 day conference entitled Persuade will be taking place in the Denver area April 11-12 followed by a God After Deconstruction conference at the same venue April 12-23.
For information and to register visit: http://godafterdeconstruction.com/
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses a new book recently released entitledPreaching the Uncontrolling Love of God.
This book is a compilation of sermons, essays and worship resources with close to 75 contributors written from Open & Relational/Process perspectives with clergy, worship facilitators, those teaching homiletics and interested laypersons primarily in mind.
To celebrate the release of the book, a 2 day conference entitled Persuade will be taking place in the Denver area April 11-12 followed by a God After Deconstruction conference at the same venue April 12-23.
For information and to register visit: http://godafterdeconstruction.com/
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses a new book project he and Tripp Fuller have recently released entitled God After Deconstruction.
This accessible book discusses the major reasons a growing number of people in North America are deconstructing from religious affiliation and/or faith, proposing an alternative understanding of God and faith from an Open and Relational perspective.
Tom and Tripp are also offering a God After Deconstruction class and hosting an upcoming conference in the Denver area to discuss these important themes further. For more information visit: http://godafterdeconstruction.com/
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses the new book from Jennifer Baldwin entitled Trauma Sensitive Theology: Thinking Theologically in the Era of Trauma which emphasizes the importance of considering victims of trauma when undergoing theological (re)formation.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the doctoral dissertation work of Lina Langby, God and the World: Pragmatic and epistemic arguments for panentheistic and pantheistic conceptions of the God–world relationship.
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with Mark Feldmeir's new book, Life After God: Finding Faith When You Can't Believe Anymore.
Mark Feldmeir will be hosting two upcoming Open and Relational conferences to be held in the Denver, Colorado area over the weekend of April 11-13. The first conference is called Persuade (Apr. 11-12) and will focus on Open and Relational preaching, which will be followed by the God After Deconstruction event (Apr. 12-13). Both events are filled with fantastic speakers and will allow for discussion and learning together.
For information and registration visit:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/center-for-open-and-relational-theology-38532350493
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses two upcoming Open and Relational conferences to be held in the Denver, Colorado area over the weekend of April 11-13. The first conference is called Persuade (Apr. 11-12) and will focus on Open and Relational preaching, which will be followed by the God After Deconstruction event (Apr. 12-13). Both events are filled with fantastic speakers and will allow for discussion and learning together.
For information and registration visit:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/center-for-open-and-relational-theology-38532350493
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the work of personalist, Edgar Brightman's book Philosophy of Religion in discussing the finiteness of God in relation to the problem of evil and suffering.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with Ulrick Dam's new book, Building the Basileia: Moving the Church into the 22nd Century, an ecclesiology informed by open and relational theology.
Ulrick Dam is one of 24 authors whose books will be discussed and engaged with at the upcoming International Online Open and Relational Theology Conference (ORTLine24) taking place February 22-24.
To register and participate in ORTLine 24 visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257
In this episode, Dr. Oord reveals the full line-up of 24 authors/books to be discussed at the upcoming ORTLine24 conference.
The International Online Open and Relational Theology Conference (ORTLine24) takes place February 22-24 with each of the 24 sessions over 3 days being recorded and made available for those registered.
To register and participate in ORTLine 24 visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257
In this 200th ORTShort episode, Dr. Oord engages with Jonathan Foster's new book, Indigo: The Color of Grief a creative and vulnerable meditation on grief and loss from an author who has experienced the pain of losing a daughter.
Jonathan Foster is one of 24 authors whose books will be discussed and engaged with at the upcoming International Online Open and Relational Theology Conference (ORTLine24) taking place February 22-24.
To register and participate in ORTLine 24 visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with Bradford McCall's new book, Macroevolution, Contingency and Divine Activity: Divine Involvement Through Uncontrolling, Amorepotent Love in an Evolutionary World.
Dr. McCall is one of 24 authors whose books will be discussed and engaged with at the upcoming International Online Open and Relational Theology Conference (ORTLine24) taking place February 22-24.
To register and participate in ORTLine 24 visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses the reasons for discarding traditional understandings of omnipotence and adopting what he calls "amipotence" (the potency of love).
For more on this shift from omnipotence to amipotence, check out Dr. Oord's new book The Death or Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence
Dr. Oord's new book will be one of 24 featured books at the upcoming International Online Open and Relational Theology Conference (Feb. 22-24). For information and registration visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257
In this episode Dr. Oord shares an excerpt of a book he and Tripp Fuller are writing on the theme of God After Deconstruction. He also shares an invitation to Drew University on Feb. 9-10 for the first God After Deconstruction event featuring a host of renowned Open and Relational Theologians.
For more information about how to participate in this and other God After Deconstruction events, visit: www.godafterdeconstruction.com
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses God's providence and eschatology from an Open and Relational perspective which rejects the notion of a timeless God who has foreordained the future. Open and Relational Theology adopts a view of providence which views God's moment by moment love in relation to creation and a yet to be determined future full of possibilities.
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses the new book from author Russ Dean entitled, The Power of the God Who Can't
Russ will be one of 24 authors participating in the upcoming International Online Open & Relational Theology Conference (Feb. 22-24) as well as the Persuade conference, an upcoming Open and Relational Preaching Conference in the Denver area (April 11-12)
To register for the ORTLine24 visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257
For information on the Persuade conference and other God After Deconstruction events visit: http://www.godafterdeconstruction.com
In this episode, Dr. Oord reflects on his time at the recent Theology Beer Camp and shares his 10 principles for making sense of religions.
For more on the topic of religious pluralism, consider attending the upcoming God After Deconstruction event hosted by Drew University (February 9-10) during which time Dr. Oord and Tripp Fuller will be joined by a host of other Open and Relational theologians to discuss this important topic together.
For information and registration visit:
www.godafterdeconstruction.com
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an exciting multifaceted initiative he and Tripp Fuller are rolling out in 2024 called God After Deconstruction. Tom and Tripp will be hosting an online class, writing a book and hosting numerous God After Deconstruction events across North America, all with the purpose of offering a constructive, hope-filled vision of God grounded in open and relational theology.
For information on the God After Deconstruction project including the online class and in-person event visit: http://www.godafterdeconstruction.com/
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses the new book from Mark Feldmeir entitled Life After God: Finding Faith When You Can't Believe Anymore
Mark is one of 24 authors who will be participating in the upcoming International Online Open & Relational Theology Conference (Feb. 22-24).
To register for the ORTLine24 visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses a new book project compiling numerous unpublished theological essays written by John B. Cobb Jr.
The new book, entitled Selected Writings from a Christian Theologian, is edited by Tripp Fuller and Wm Andrew Schwartz and is one of 24 books/authors featured at the upcoming International Open and Relational Theology Conference Online (ORTLine24), a 3 day online conference taking place February 22-24.
For information and to register for this annual conference visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257
In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the recently released book from Andrew Davis entitled Metaphysics and Exo-Life: Toward a Constructive Whiteheadian Cosmotheology.
Andrew Davis will be one of 24 authors presenting and engaging with their books at the upcoming International Open and Relational Theology Conference Online (Feb. 22-24, 2024). To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257?aff=oddtdtcreator
In this second of a 2 part conversation, Dr. Oord continues to discuss the idea of the importance of a non omnipotent and bodiless God needing creaturely cooperation for love to win.
Dr. Oord engages this idea deeper in his book The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
In this first of a two part conversation, Dr. Oord interacts with both Stanley Hauerwas and John Calvin in discussing the importance of creaturely cooperation with a God who is not omnipotent.
Dr. Oord engages this idea deeper in his book The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the excellent new book from J. Aaron Simmonds entitled, Camping with Jesus: Faithfulness as a Way of Life.
In this episode Dr. Oord shares some information about the upcoming ORTLine 24: International, Online Open and Relational Theology Conference which will be held the weekend of Feb. 22-24, 2024.
Tickets are now available:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2024-tickets-755753899257
In this episode, Dr. Oord continues to discuss the God who empathizes with creaturely suffering without causing or permitting such suffering.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses the growing belief in a relational God who suffers and empathizes with creation and the importance of supplementing this belief with the idea that God is not omnipotent.
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with Elaine Robinson's new book Leading with Love: Spiritual Disciplines for Practical Leadership
In this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with Daniel Dombrowski's new book Process Mysticism as he contrasts the concept of divine foreknowledge from both classical and neo-classical perspectives.
In this episode Dr. Oord recaps the recent Theology Beer Camp gathering with brought together approx. 400 attendees to discuss Open and Relational Theology ideas.
Thanks to all of the attendees and podcasters including Tripp Fuller, host of the Homebrewed Christianity podcast.
In this episode Dr. Oord announces the upcoming ORTLine 24: International, Online Open and Relational Theology Conference which will be held the weekend of Feb. 22-24, 2024.
In this episode Dr. Oord shares some exciting news about Open and Relational Theology papers to be presented at the upcoming American Academy of Religion (AAR) annual gathering in San Antonio, TX (Nov. 18-21)
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses the problem of evil in light of the current Israel Hamas war. Dr. Oord references Eric Sentell's article over at Medium which proposes a God of uncontrolling love neither wanted or caused this war, nor is asleep at the wheel.
In this episode Dr. Oord interacts with Day Ray Griffin's work on reconstructive postmodern theology in a compilation of his essays entitled Process Theology: On Postmodernism, Morality, Pluralism, Eschatology and Demonic Evil.
Sadly, Griffin passed away in 2022, though his voice and influence will live on through this and many other of his important contributions to Postmodern Process Theology.
In this second of two episodes, Dr. Oord continues to unpack and critique the traditional free will defense which has often been appealed to in an effort to reconcile a God of love with the pervasiveness of genuine evil in the world.
To read more about this topic see Dr. Oord's book The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
In this first of two episodes, Dr. Oord unpacks and critiques the traditional free will defense which has often been appealed to in an effort to reconcile a God of love with the pervasiveness of genuine evil in the world.
To read more about this topic see Dr. Oord's book The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.
In this episode Dr. Oord shares an excerpt from one of the many essays compiled in the book Love Does Not Control: Therapists, Psychologists, and Counselors Explore Uncontrolling Love
In this episode Dr. Oord shares an excerpt from Don Viney's review of the book The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Donald Wayne Viney is the professor of philosophy at Pittsburg State University (Kansas).
Click here to read Viney's full reivew. To purchase a copy of Dr. Oord's new book click here.
In this episode Dr. Oord discusses some of the many Open and Relational resources available at the Center for Open and Relational Theology including Creeds and Worship Songs written from an Open and Relational Perspective.
Visit the Center for Open and Relational Theology to access these and other resources at: www.c4ort.com
Dr. Oord shares a modified version of the 12 steps of recovery adapted by Greg Hoover, written with the purpose of contemplating and applying the 12 steps through the lens of a God of uncontrolling love.
Dr. Oord discusses themes from the book Creating Women's Theology: A Movement Engaging Process Thought, a collection of essays edited by Monica A. Coleman, Nancy R. Howell and Helene Tallon Russell.
Creating Women's Theology engages women's questions:
• Can women from different religious traditions engage one theological approach?
• Can one philosophical approach support feminist religious thought?
• What kind of belief follows women's criticism of traditional Christianity?
Dr. Oord discusses themes from the Roger Wolsey's book Kissing Fish: Christianity for People Who Don't Like Christianity. Kissing Fish presents a postmodern systematic theology of progressive Christianity which is informative, contemplative, and entertaining.
Dr. Oord discusses the upcoming conference exploring the influential works of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Alfred North Whitehead.
The conference, hosted by the Center for Process Studies and the Center for Christogenesis, will take place Sept, 21-23 at Villanova University.
For information and registration visit:
https://christogenesis.salsalabs.org/whitehead-teilhard-conference/index.html
Dr. Oord discusses the Doctoral program in Open and Relational Program he supervises co-sponsored by The Center for Open and Relational Theology and Northwind Seminary.
To explore the full details and benefits of this doctoral program visit:
https://www.northwindseminary.org/center-for-open-relational-theology
Dr. Oord discusses the upcoming Theology Beer Camp, hosted by Homebrewed Christianity which will bring together a large group of Open and Relational Thinkers and podcasters over one weekend (Oct. 19-21) in Springfield, Missouri.
For information and registration visit: https://homebrewedchristianity.lpages.co/theobeercamp23/
Dr. Oord highlights an essay from Joshua Andrews entitled The Divine Change We Need; one of more than 50 essays in the new book Love Does Not Control: Therapists, Psychologists, and Counselors Explore Uncontrolling Love.
Dr. Oord discusses the upcoming Girardian Intersections online conference (August 19, 2023)
For more information and to register visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/girardian-intersections-tickets-617394753327
Dr. Oord discusses the new book from Deanna M. Young (DThM, Northwind Seminary, Center or Open and Relational Theology). The book is entitled Unblaming God: Interpreting the Old Testament Through the Lens of Jesus Christ and is now available for purchase.
Dr. Oord interacts with Ilia Delio's forthcoming book The Not-Yet-God: Carl Jung, Teilhard De Chardin, and the Relational Whole with a focus on the relational holism Delio espouses.
Available for pre-order (Sept. 15) now:
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Yet-God-Teilhard-Chardin-Relational/dp/1626985359
Dr. Oord interacts with the work of Roger Haydon Mitchell and the term he has coined 'kenarchy', a combining of the Greek words "kenosis" (self-giving) and "archy" (rule or authority).
To further explore the ideas and implications of kenarchy check out the books by Roger Haydon Mitchell Church, Gospel, and Empire: How the Politics of Sovereignty Impregnated the West and Discovering Kenarchy: Contemporary Resources for the Politics of Love
Dr. Oord discusses renowned theologian John B. Cobb Jr's new and most personal book, Confessions in which Cobb gives his most deeply personal beliefs full voice and exression.
Confessions is now available for purchase:
https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-John-B-Cobb-Jr/dp/1940447607
Dr. Oord discusses the new book from Peter Enns, Old Testament Professor and co-host of The Bible for Normal People podcast. The book is entitled Curveball: When Your Faith Takes Turns You Never Saw Coming (or How I Stumbled and Tripped My Way to Finding a Bigger God) and is now available for purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/Curveball-Coming-Stumbled-Tripped-Finding/dp/B09ZYSMRR1
Dr. Oord discusses Keith Ward's new thought provoking and humorous new book Adventures in Belief: How I Discovered the Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything (Possibly)
Now available for purchase:
https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Belief-Discovered-Universe-Everything/dp/1666756237
Dr. Oord discusses the Politics of Omnipotence and nefarious ways political and religious leaders can invoke the name of an almighty God to support their political agendas. Dr. Oord cites the examples of The Doctrine of Discovery used by Pope Nicolas V justify the subjugation of the North American Indigenous population and more recently evangelical Christians claims that an omnipotent God appointed Donald Trump to be President of the United States.
For more discussion on this topic, check out Dr. Oord's book The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence now available for purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Omnipotence-Birth-Amipotence/dp/1948609916
Dr. Oord discusses the Hebrew words El Shaddai and Sabaoth and the ways in which they have been misunderstood and mistranslated leading to a bogus misrepresentation of God as omnipotent.
This and other arguments putting to death omnipotence can be found in Dr. Oord's new book, 'The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence'.
Now available for purchase on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Omnipotence-Birth-Amipotence/dp/1948609916
Dr. Oord discusses Zack Hunt's new book Godbreathed: What It Really Means for the Bible to Be Divinely Inspired now available for purchase.
https://www.amazon.com/Godbreathed-Really-Means-Divinely-Inspired/dp/1513811835
Dr. Oord discusses Marjorie Suchocki's new book '21 Psalms for the 21st Century: A Process Meditation',
Now available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/21-Psalms-21st-Century-Meditation/dp/1940447615
Dr. Oord discusses his new book, 'The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence'.
Now available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Omnipotence-Birth-Amipotence/dp/1948609916
Dr. Oord extends an invitation to ORTCON23--an opportunity to connect, learn and dream together with fellow Open and Relational sojourners.
For information and registration for ORTCON23 visit: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
Dr. Oord discusses his article entitled Imitating God which both interacts with and critiques Thomas A. Kempis' influential book The Imitation of Christ.
Dr. Oord extends an invitation to the upcoming Love Does Not Control Online Conference (Saturday, May 13)
To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-does-not-control-online-conference-tickets-574854143217
Dr. Oord discusses the recently published collection of essays entitled Love Does Not Control with a summary of the essay 'Five Core Themes from an Open and Relational Informed Psychotherapy' by Mark Gregory Karris.
Love Does Not Control is now available for purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Does-Control-Psychologists-Uncontrolling-ebook/dp/B0BWSHK497
Dr. Oord shares some thoughts from Ian Todd's book, Near Death Experiences, which is one of the books featured at ORTLine 23 online conference, Feb., 10-11, 2023.
Dr. Oord presents a final divine/creature analogy and discusses how both are valuable because of love and relationship.
Dr. Oord discusses Michael Berra's book Towards a Theology of Relationship which will be presented and discussed online during ORTLine 23 (Feb., 10-11, 2023).
Dr. Oord discusses via analogy how both Creator and Creatures have needs that love strives to meet, as discussed in his book, Pluriform Love.
Dr. Oord explore another analogy of divine/creaturely love, comparing and contrasting, as discussed in his book Pluriform Love.
Dr. Oord explores another divine/human analogy regarding the nature of love as discussed in his book Pluriform Love.
Dr. Oord discusses Brian McLaren's latest book, Do I Stay Christian?As well he promotes the online conference ORTLine 23 (Feb., 10-11, 2023)
In this second instalment of Creator & Creatures analogies, Dr. Oord discusses how both (and each) experience time.
Dr. Oord begins a series using analogies to discuss how God and God's creatures are both similar and dissimilar. In this first in the series, O&RT says that both give and receive.
Dr. Oord shares about Gabrie'l J. Atchison's book, Are You the Unchurched?in order to promote the online conference ORTLine 23 on February 10 & 11, 2023.
For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-and-relational-theology-its-social-and-political-implications-tickets-449387469017
Dr. Oord discusses Jonathan Foster's new book, "A Theology of Consent: Mimetic Theory in an Open & Relational Universe."
Dr. Oord demonstrates how Open and Relational Theology responds most adequately to both (for believers) the problem of evil, and (for atheists) the problem of good.
In this series of podcasts (Episodes 126—131), Dr. Oord discusses and explains the many "love advantages" of Open and Relational thought.
For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/50th-anniversary-of-a-theology-of-love-online-conference-tickets-438746220757?
In this series of podcasts (Episodes 126—131), Dr. Oord discusses and explains the many "love advantages" of Open and Relational thought.
In this series of podcasts (Episodes 126—131), Dr. Oord discusses and explains the many "love advantages" of Open and Relational thought.
In this series of podcasts (Episodes 126—131), Dr. Oord discusses and explains the many "love advantages" of Open and Relational thought.
In this series of podcasts (Episodes 126—131), Dr. Oord discusses and explains the many "love advantages" of Open and Relational thought.
In this series of podcasts (Episodes 126-131), Dr. Oord discusses and explains the various "love advantages" of Open and Relational thought.
Dr. Oord discusses Catherine Keller's book re: Finding God in Process Thought and the nature of God's power.
In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses Dan Dombrowski's book and a different view of God's power than is presented via Classical Theology.
In this series of five ORT Shorts (episodes 119—123, Dr. Oord briefly describes various myths about God and healing and contrasts each with realities as determined through the lens of Open and Relational theology.
In this series of five ORT Shorts (episodes 119—123, Dr. Oord briefly describes various myths about God and healing and contrasts each with realities as determined through the lens of Open and Relational theology.
In this series of five ORT Shorts (episodes 119—123, Dr. Oord briefly describes various myths about God and healing and contrasts each with realities as determined through the lens of Open and Relational theology.
In this series of five ORT Shorts (episodes 119—123, Dr. Oord briefly describes various myths about God and healing and contrasts each with realities as determined through the lens of Open and Relational theology.
In this series of five ORT Shorts (episodes 119—123, Dr. Oord briefly describes various myths about God and healing and contrasts each with realities as determined through the lens of Open and Relational theology.
Dr. Oord discuss recent books written by Case-Winters and Holtzen and how they describe God's power.
Dr. Oord explains the upcoming conference and invites all to attend - Nov. 4-5, Napa, CA.
Dr. Oord discusses the third "love" in a short series on Pluriform Love in Open and Relational Theology.
Dr. Oord discusses "eros" and Open and Relational Theology in the second in his series on Pluriform Love.
Dr. Oord discusses how Open and Relational Theology is applied in Greg Hoover's novel, The Pain Killer.
Dr. Oord discusses Joseph Bracken's book of the same title and Open and Relational Theology.
Does God have one predetermined plan for each of our lives or does God have plans that can adapt to the choices we make? Dr. Oord explains.
Open and Relational Theology often appeals to those who are seeking to understand their meaning and purpose in the universe.
Dr. Oord explains how some people can come to embrace Open and Relational Theology because of their artistic sensibilities.
Dr. Oord explains how some may come to Open and Relational Theology by means of Perfect Being Theology.
Science and Philosophy often lead people to consider and embrace Open and Relational Theology, according to Dr. Oord.
Dr. Oord discusses how many Christians come to Open and Relational Theology through its fit with the overall life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
Dr. Oord explains how some come to Open and Relational Theology because it fits with and explains the relational nature of our lives in the universe.
Dr. Oord talks about how some come to embrace Open and Relational Theology via the Social Sciences.
Dr. Oord explains how some people come to Open and Relational Theology through their own intuitions.
Dr. Oord shares another reason why people are coming to Open and Relational Theology: the Logic of Love.
Dr. Oord talks about another reason people come to Open and Relational Theology - its fit with Scripture.
This is the first in the series of ORTShorts discussing why people are coming to Open and Relational Theology.
Dr. Oord discusses Bruce Epperly's book, The Elephant is Running,and the idea of religious plurality.
Dr. Oord describes his theory that God always creates out of what was created, motivated by love.
Dr. Oord discusses love as described in the Old Testament with a focus on the Hebrew word hesed.
Dr. Oord explains the idea of "divine simplicity" and how the God of Open and Relational Theology is not simple.
Dr. Oord explains that the God of Open and Relational Theology is the opposite of impassible.
Dr. Oord discusses the book Creating Women's Theology: A Movement Engaging Process Thought.
Dr. Oord explains the concepts of "open" and "relational" as they apply to Open and Relational Theology.
Dr. Oord shares his thoughts on the thesis of Gregory Boyd's book, "Inspired Imperfection."
Dr. Oord shares the Jewish Process thought that covenant has always involved a divine/human partnership, as expressed in an essay by Sandra Lubarsky.
Dr. Oord focuses in one of the reasons Brian McLaren, in his latest book "Do I Stay Christian?, gives for why he's stays Christian.
Dr. Oord discuss Donna Bowman's thoughts on an open future and a God worthy of worship from her essay in "The Handbook of Process Thought."
Dr. Oord discusses Farhan Shah's essay as published in the book, "Nature in Process," edited by Davis, Teixeira & Schwartz.
Dr. Oord shares his thoughts on Sharon Baker Putt's assertion that God's justice is restorative, not retributive, from her book, "A Nonviolent Theology of Love."
Dr. Oord shares some thoughts from Andrew Davis's essay in the recently published book, "Nature in Process," edited by Davis, Teixeira and Schwartz.
Dr. Oord opposes the Classical proposal that God created out of nothing, responding with his own rationale that God creates out of creation.
Dr. Oord discusses his new phrase, Essential Hesed, as found in his latest book, "Pluriform Love."
Dr. Oord shares Keith Ward's idea that what lies ahead is an open world/future, from Ward's book, "The Priority of Mind."
Dr. Oord contrasts the impassible God of Classical Theology with the passible God of Open and Relational Theology.
Dr. Oord uses the analogy of parenting to describe how God loves us and works in our lives.
Dr. Oord discusses the implications of Terence E. Fretheim's ideas of God creating through speaking as it leader to God's partnership with creation.
Is God omnipotent or amipotent, or impotent? Dr. Oord discusses the uncontrolling love of God.
Dr. Oord answers the question: Why is Jesus the center of his Open & Relational theology?
Dr. Oord explains what's available to all through "The Center for Open and Relational Theology."
Dr. Oord discusses Chad Bahl's book God Unbound: An Evangelical Reconsiders Tradition in Search of Truth.
Dr. Oord shares an example of how ORT can impact, deconstruct and reconstruct one's faith.
How do we conceive of a future that is not predetermined, but is open? Think about the possibilities!
Dr. Oord shares how both science and philosophy support the idea of free will, even though some deny it.
Dr. Oord explains that sin cannot separate us from a God who is omnipresent. Learn more from his latest book: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Relational-Theology-Introduction-Life-Changing/dp/1948609371/
Dr. Oord shares some thoughts on "love" from Shai Held's book in progress, titled, "Love in Judaism."
Dr. Oord explains that God does not permit our suffering, but that God is not able to prevent suffering single-handedly.
Dr. Oord talks about the book he is presently writing about love and how his view contrast with Augustine's.
What does healing look like and what factors are involved, from an Open and Relational theological perspective?
According to ORT how can we interpret Jesus' command to his disciples to "pick up your cross daily"?
Dr. Oord talks about God's influence on creatures of varying levels of agency, like worms and rocks.
How much is God like us and how much is God different? Is ORT guilty of excessively anthropomorphizing God?
Is the future foreknown and predetermined? Do our decisions matter? Or, is the future open?
Information about two Open and Relational Conferences planned for February and July 2022:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-tickets-219336089147
https://c4ort.com/ortcon/
Dr. Oord is writing a book tentatively called Pluriform Love. He shares some thoughts about God's love from his research/writing.
Dr. Oord reflects on Bruce Epperly's article regarding how we are called to co-create with the Creator.
Dr. Oord shares from Amanda Oster's essay regarding how "the dones" can partner with God.
Dr. Oord discusses the idea that God is always learning and that God leaves some things open for us to discover.
Dr. Oord shares Elizabeth Johnson's feminist theory of atonement which resonates with most open and relational thinkers.
Dr. Oord shares from his reading of Andrew Ray Williams' latest book on Clark Pinnock, titled, Boundless Love.
Dr. Oord shares from his book, Open and Relational Theology about "putting God in a box."
Dr. Oord shares Karen Baker Fletcher's perspective on growing up in the black church from her book, "Dancing with God."
Dr. Oord comments on Georgia Harkness' thoughts regarding the limitation of God's Power in "The Abyss and the Given."
Dr. Oord endorses Patricia Adams Farmer's devotional book, "Embracing a Beautiful God."
Dr. Oord highlights John Polkinghorne as he discusses God's providence and God's foreknowledge. He references "The Polkinghorne Reader." See https://www.amazon.com/Polkinghorne-Reader-Science-Search-Meaning/dp/1599473151/
Dr. Oord discusses Alfred North Whitehead's often misunderstood statement about God's power.
Dr. Oord discusses how the concepts of 'immanence' and 'transcendence' co-exist in Open and Relational Theology.
Dr. Oord discusses Rory Randall's new book, "An Open Theist Renewal Theology" and the relationship between Pentecostalism and Open and Relational Theology.
Dr. Oord explains an upcoming class starting in November. Only 24 students can register: https://c4ort.com/product/going-deeper-in-ort-course/
Dr. Oord explains the upcoming conference on Sexuality: https://www.aninterestingconference.com/
Dr. Oord explains why he created the term Amipotence to replace the use of Omnipotence when he speaks about God's power.
Dr. Oord explains why he chose the term "Open and Relational Theology" and describes what/who that encompasses.
Dr. Oord discusses Tripp Fuller's book and the concept of Open and Relational Christology.
Dr. Oord shares that the very essence of God and thus the very heart of Open and Relational Theology is Love.
Dr. Oord discusses the Wesleyan concept of prevenient grace and how it applies to Open and Relational Theology.
Dr. Oord discusses the rationale and meaning behind a new publication titled, "Partnering with God."
Dr. Oord shares John Cobb's idea that God has not hands and feet but our hands and feet.
Dr. Oord shares about his recently published book, "Open and Relational Theology: An Introduction to Life-Changing Ideas."
Dr. Oord shares about Abraham Joshua Heschel and Shai Held, two Jewish open theologians.
Dr. Oord shares insights from Libby Tedder Hugus' essay found in the newly published book, "Partnership with God."
Dr. Oord responds to the question, "Does what we think about God influence what we think counts as good parenting?"
Dr. Oord discusses the concept of "divine election" from an Open and Relational perspective.
Dr. Oord briefly shares the history and main point of the two books titled, "The Openness of God".