ORT Shorts

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 TruthTo 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 GodIn 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 LoveEach 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  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 DeconstructionThis 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 QuadrilateralJohn 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/