ORT Shorts

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/

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.