ORT Shorts
250 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratingsOpen 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.
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Episodes
Ep. 226: Go Back to Galilee by Nichole Torbitzky
July 16, 2024 15:00 - 3 minutes - 2.14 MBIn 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.
Ep. 225: Christian Nationalism
July 10, 2024 02:00 - 3 minutes - 2.42 MBIn 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.
Ep. 224: Redeeming Violent Verses in the Bible
July 03, 2024 04:00 - 3 minutes - 2.66 MBIn 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.
Ep. 223: Future Needs a Big Kiss by Lukas Targosz
June 26, 2024 04:00 - 2 minutes - 2.04 MBIn 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
Ep. 222: To Be Emptied, by Vikki Randall
June 18, 2024 16:00 - 2 minutes - 1.62 MBIn 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
Ep. 221: Saida Mirsadri and a Process Relational Worldview
June 11, 2024 16:00 - 2 minutes - 1.88 MBIn 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.
Ep. 220: Saida Mirsadri on Muhammad Iqbal
June 04, 2024 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.42 MBIn 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.
Ep. 219: Overcoming Christian Nationalism
May 28, 2024 12:00 - 4 minutes - 2.85 MBIn 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.
Ep. 218: Opting out of Politics?
May 21, 2024 15:00 - 3 minutes - 2.33 MBIn 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.
Ep. 217: Open Theism
May 14, 2024 19:00 - 3 minutes - 2.25 MBIn this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the new book from leading openness philosopher Alan Rhoda entitled Open Theism (part of the Cambridge Elements series).
Ep. 216: Except Through Me?
May 07, 2024 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.85 MBIn 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.
Ep. 215: ORT from Muslim and Christian Perspectives
April 30, 2024 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.24 MBIn 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.
Ep. 214: Judaism is About Love
April 24, 2024 15:00 - 4 minutes - 2.99 MBIn 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.
Ep. 213: The God Who Trusts
April 19, 2024 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.5 MBIn 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. O...
Ep. 212: ORTCON 2024 Pre-Registration
April 16, 2024 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.45 MBIn 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 activi...
Ep. 211: Deconstruction Firsthand
April 12, 2024 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.67 MBIn 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 v...
Ep. 210: The Underbelly of Novelty
April 09, 2024 12:00 - 4 minutes - 3.05 MBIn this episode Dr. Oord reads an excerpt from one of the sermons (The Underbelly of Novelty) in a new book entitled Preaching 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...
Ep. 209: Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God
April 05, 2024 17:00 - 4 minutes - 3.42 MBIn this episode Dr. Oord discusses a new book recently released entitled Preaching 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...
Ep. 208: God After Deconstruction
April 01, 2024 12:00 - 6 minutes - 4.21 MBIn 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 Denve...
Ep. 207: Trauma-Sensitive Theology
March 18, 2024 14:00 - 3 minutes - 2.11 MBIn 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.
Ep. 206: God and the World
March 11, 2024 15:00 - 3 minutes - 2.47 MBIn 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.
Ep. 205: Essence and Experience
March 04, 2024 14:00 - 4 minutes - 3.06 MBIn 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 s...
Ep. 204: Preaching Open and Relational Theology
February 29, 2024 16:00 - 2 minutes - 1.89 MBIn 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...
Ep. 203: A Finite God
February 26, 2024 21:00 - 4 minutes - 2.81 MBIn 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.
Ep. 202: Building the Basileia
February 19, 2024 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.35 MBIn 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
Ep. 201: Register for ORTLine24
February 15, 2024 14:00 - 3 minutes - 2.35 MBIn 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
Ep. 200: Indigo
February 12, 2024 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.42 MBIn 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....
Ep. 199: Macroevolution, Contingency, and Divine Activity
February 09, 2024 04:00 - 3 minutes - 2.66 MBIn 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-ticke...
Ep. 198: From Omnipotence to Amipotence
February 05, 2024 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.58 MBIn 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://...
Ep. 197: God After Deconstruction, Drew University
February 01, 2024 13:00 - 4 minutes - 3.44 MBIn 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
Ep. 196: God Acts With the End in Mind
January 29, 2024 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.6 MBIn 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.
Ep. 195: The Power of the God Who Can't
January 25, 2024 13:00 - 4 minutes - 2.94 MBIn 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 Pe...
Ep. 194: Making Sense of Religions
January 22, 2024 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.23 MBIn 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.godaft...
Ep. 193: God After Deconstruction Online Class
January 18, 2024 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.27 MBIn 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-p...
Ep. 192: Eternal Life
January 15, 2024 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.5 MBIn 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
Ep. 191: John B. Cobb Jr. - Christian Theologian
January 11, 2024 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.75 MBIn 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 confere...
Ep. 190: Andrew Davis and Cosmotheology
January 08, 2024 13:00 - 4 minutes - 3.1 MBIn 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
Ep. 189: God Needs Creaturely Cooperation (Part 2)
January 04, 2024 13:00 - 4 minutes - 2.96 MBIn 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.
Ep. 188: God Needs Creaturely Cooperation (Part 1)
January 01, 2024 14:00 - 5 minutes - 3.62 MBIn 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.
Ep. 187: Camping with Kierkegaard
December 18, 2023 17:00 - 2 minutes - 1.94 MBIn this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the excellent new book from J. Aaron Simmonds entitled, Camping with Jesus: Faithfulness as a Way of Life.
Ep. 186: ORTLine 24
December 14, 2023 13:00 - 2 minutes - 1.57 MBIn 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
Ep. 185: God Empathizes with Our Suffering (Part 2)
December 11, 2023 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.61 MBIn this episode, Dr. Oord continues to discuss the God who empathizes with creaturely suffering without causing or permitting such suffering.
Ep. 184: God Empathizes with Our Suffering (Part 1)
December 04, 2023 15:00 - 4 minutes - 3.11 MBIn 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.
Ep. 183: Leading with Love
November 27, 2023 13:00 - 2 minutes - 1.6 MBIn this episode, Dr. Oord interacts with Elaine Robinson's new book Leading with Love: Spiritual Disciplines for Practical Leadership
Ep. 182: God's Knowledge of the Future
November 20, 2023 13:00 - 2 minutes - 1.98 MBIn 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.
Ep. 181: Theology Beer Camp Recap
November 13, 2023 13:00 - 2 minutes - 1.94 MBIn 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.
Ep. 180: ORTLine 24
November 09, 2023 13:00 - 2 minutes - 1.57 MBIn 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.
Ep. 179: Open and Relational Theology at AAR 2023
November 02, 2023 12:00 - 3 minutes - 2.31 MBIn 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)
Ep. 178: The Israel Hamas War and the Problem of Evil
October 31, 2023 01:00 - 3 minutes - 2.23 MBIn 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.
Ep. 177: Reconstructive Postmodern Theology
October 16, 2023 13:00 - 3 minutes - 2.65 MBIn 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.