Can We Talk About Death? An Open and Relational Vision - available on Amazon May 6!
Upcoming Events & Recommended Resources
"Can We Talk About Death? An Open and Relational Vision" Available May 6 on Amazon
"Can We Talk About Death? An Open and Relational Vision" Available May 6 on Amazon
This is my first attempt at writing a book. Essentially, my dissertation has been tweaked into a more interesting format. Look for it on Amazon on May 6.
Update: Visit Amazon now to preorder the Kindle version of the book. It will be available May 6.
"Here to Follow: Living Lessons of Jesus"
"Can We Talk About Death? An Open and Relational Vision" Available May 6 on Amazon
I am so proud of my friend Lisa Jo Thomas for her diligent work on her recently released devotional book. I can't wait to get my bound copy. I have already purchased the ebook and have enjoyed it. Lisa draws on experiences from her own journey. I know Lisa, and she is the real deal. You can find it on Amazon.
ORT Shorts
Are you interested in brief theological snippets about theological concerns or resources? Thomas Jay Oord offers 2-3 minute statements on matters that are relevant to life, from a commitment to love. Some clips are book reviews or responses to current issues. Others are weightier summaries of specific theological concerns. Look for Thomas Jay Oord's "ORT Shorts" wherever you access podcasts.
"Flourish: An Open and Relational Queer Theology"
My Friend Michael Brennan just released this honest and respectful resource that challenges much of what the traditional church has promoted about the LGBTQ+ community. I am so proud of Michael for his scholarship and courage. I hope that many in the traditionalist camp will have the courage to read it with an open heart.
https://www.amazon.com/Flourish-Open-Relational-Queer-Theology/dp/1958670820
"indigo - the color of grief"
I'm sure there is no positive way to color the grief of a parent who has lost a son or daughter in tragedy. My friend Jonathan Foster has written this compelling book in a poetic style. Find it on Amazon, and anticipate finding your own heart colored as you experience it firsthand.
ORTCON25
In the heart of the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, this coming June 30-July 4. Theologians and practitioners in Open and Relational Theology will come together to collaborate and even perhaps spar with each other in this very collegial event. I attended last year, and it was one of the most affirming groups I have mixed with in a very long time. Check out this promotional video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpMz0cD7nEo
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"Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts in Church and Ministry"
"Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts in Church and Ministry"
"Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts in Church and Ministry"
"Violent biblical texts have an enormous capacity to harm others. Ministers should be on guard against such abuses, and they should, periodically, remind churchgoers how violent biblical texts have been misused in the past. Hopefully, this will keep the church from repeating its mistakes as people are reminded that such verses should never be used to justify acts of violence or oppression." Whether in application for working with children and youth, or what happens in the Sunday morning worship experience, Professor Seibert offers balanced insight, solid theology, and good common sense on healthy ways of reading and teaching the biblical passages that portray and often seem to justify the use of violence.
https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Violent-Verses-Troublesome-Ministry/dp/0664264689
"The Uncontrolling Love of God: An Open and Relational Account of Providence"
"Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts in Church and Ministry"
"Redeeming Violent Verses: A Guide for Using Troublesome Texts in Church and Ministry"
Authored by Thomas Jay Oord, this was my first read on open and relational theology (ORT). After reading this book and then Oord's "God Can't," I realized I had found the elusive language that finally made sense of my deepest intuitions about God and God's vision for me and the rest of the universe. I became a life-long student and advocate of ORT, which fit seamlessly with my role as a hospice chaplain. If I had only one resource to recommend for serious students of the Christian and even non-Christian faiths, it would be this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Uncontrolling-Love-God-Relational-Providence/dp/0830840842