Can We Talk About Death? An Open and Relational Vision - available on Amazon !
Upcoming Events & Recommended Resources
"Can We Talk About Death? An Open and Relational Vision"
This is my first attempt at writing a book. Essentially, my dissertation has been tweaked into a more interesting format.
The language of life reflects one's thoughts and convictions, as does the language of death. It is important that we pay careful attention to how we speak when talking about more painful matters such as death. We must also allow room for new systems of thought, visions, or ideas for expressing and experiencing our pain. But so often, new thinking is met with resistance and even malice. Orthodoxy, in any context, resists new thinking, and that is never truer than in conversations about death within a religious context. Can We Talk About Death? An Open and Relational Vision takes us down these paths and, as such, is a valuable resource for engaging in this discussion.
"Speaking to a Modern World" A Conference on Open and Relational Theology
Open and Relational Theology (ORT) offers a fresh and compelling vision of God—one that moves beyond the rigid frameworks of classical theism. This conference invites participants to explore ORT from diverse perspectives, including parenting, politics, worship, and personal spirituality. Through both practical insights and theological reflection, attendees will discover new ways to engage faith in a world that is ever-changing. Together, we’ll pursue a vision of spirituality that speaks meaningfully and courageously to the modern world.
"The Last Voyage"
"Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of H
It's 2056 and international oligarchs have pushed the world to the precipice of ecological, economic, and nuclear catastrophe. But two philanthropists have teamed up to establish a long-term colony on Mars.
Could this daring outpost be the next chapter in the story of the human race?
Assembling a crack team of experts including scientists, engineers and ecologists, the colony begins to establish a viable outpost on our nearest planet. But the team quickly run into problems as they bear the responsibility of creating a new humanity. Can they work out what has gone wrong before it's too late? And will the passengers of the last voyage from Earth bring what's needed for this fledging community to flourish?
This first volume in a thrilling new trilogy from Brian McLaren, explores what it means to be human and what would we choose to bring with us or leave behind, if we were to start all over again.
"Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of H
"Holy Hurt: Understanding Spiritual Trauma and the Process of H
In Holy Hurt, clinical psychologist Hillary L. McBride sends a sincere and profound message: spiritual trauma is real and has a far-reaching impact. She also reassures us that we can remake ourselves and heal in its aftermath.
McBride expertly and compassionately shows that acknowledging the impact of spiritual trauma in our lives allows us to begin to tend our wounds individually and collectively, experiencing reconnection with ourselves and others. She draws on clinical research, trauma literature, insightful interviews with experts, and poignant first-person stories, ending each chapter with a short practice to begin healing.
McBride empowers those who have lived through spiritual trauma or witnessed it, as well as those who want to develop healthier church environments and prevent abuse.
"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.
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.
"indigo - the color of grief"
"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"
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.
"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.
"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"
"The Uncontrolling Love of God: An Open and Relational Account of Providence"
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.