ORT Shorts

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.

Explore the intriguing discussions from a recent theology conference, where Open and Relational Theologians gathered to challenge conventional views. Discover the fascinating theme of how gospel truth was shaped, highlighting the cross's original symbolism of love versus its later interpretation as power. Delve into the impact of Constantine's militarization of faith and the dangers of interpreting Jesus as a scapegoat. Reflect on the powerful role of symbols and their manipulation in society, pushing for a reexamination of what they truly represent.

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.

Dr. Oord delves into Tracy Tucker's compelling exploration of death, emphasizing the importance of language in confronting mortality. The conversation critiques the idea that everything happens for a reason, advocating for a more relational understanding of God that embraces possibilities instead of predetermined fates. Tucker shares his transformative journey through hospice work, reshaping his theology and views on life's final chapter. Together, they illuminate healthier dialogues around death, encouraging open and honest engagement with this profound topic.

Dive into the transformative power of prayer with insights from Gayle Hansen Browne's work. Discover how determinism can challenge the effectiveness of prayer and how open relational theology revitalizes it, allowing genuine change through human cooperation. Explore three pillars of contemplative action—love, relationality, and embracing an open future—that redefine how we engage with prayer in everyday moments. This discussion promises to inspire a new perspective on living prayerfully.

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.

Dr. Oord dives into Chris Baker's new book, exploring how Open and Relational Theology reshapes the understanding of vocation and atonement. The discussion highlights the relational connection between Jesus's death and humanity, promoting a fresh perspective. Traditional atonement views are contrasted with a model that emphasizes love and divine participation, offering a thought-provoking take on theological concepts.

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