Slutty Grace | Deconstruction, Christian Universalism, & Faith Beyond Fear God Embraces LGBTQ+ People—Uncontrolling love and queer inclusion (Thomas Jay Oord)
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If love is the measure of theology, what does that mean for LGBTQ+ people in the Church?
In this powerful episode of Slutty Grace, Jeromy Johnson sits down with renowned theologian Dr. Thomas Jay Oord to confront one of the most urgent questions facing Christianity today: Are LGBTQ+ people fully embraced by God—and should they be fully included in the Church?
Drawing from his groundbreaking work on uncontrolling love, Oord explains why God’s love is never coercive, never second-class, and never withdrawn. Together, they explore the so-called “clobber passages,” the phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin,” and the real-world consequences of non-affirming theology for queer Christians and their families
Oord shares his personal journey from conservative evangelicalism to full LGBTQ+ affirmation, including the denominational trials that ultimately led to his removal for advocating inclusion. This isn’t abstract theology—it’s about people, flourishing, trauma, and whether our understanding of Scripture produces love or harm.
They also dive into:
- Biblical interpretation and hermeneutics
- The “theology of yuck” and cultural bias
- Relational theology and why God cannot coerce
- Healing spiritual trauma
- Hope beyond fear-based faith
For those who have deconstructed over this issue, for parents wrestling with what they’ve been taught, and for LGBTQ+ listeners wondering if God truly welcomes them—this conversation is an invitation to rediscover a God whose love does not control, does not shame, and does not give up.
Because if God is love, then love must be the final word.
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Grace doesn’t hold back. She breaks the rules, softens hearts, and loves without apology. The open, universal, unapologetic love of God. Together we’re building a braver, more honest space. Thanks for your support and for listening.
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Episode written, hosted, edited and produced by Jeromy Johnson.