Authors and speakers Brian McLaren and Thomas Jay Oord discuss love, faith, and God, emphasizing the connection between love and God. They explore interpreting the Bible with a focus on love, promoting values like loving enemies, and advocating for LGBTQ inclusivity within religious communities.

In part two of our series on the problem of evil, Jared and Pete talk with Tom Oord about why people struggle to reconcile evil and suffering with a good God, theological solutions to the problem throughout history, and how process theology offers a different view of God’s power. Show Notes →**********This episode is sponsored by Lumi. To learn more about microdosing THC, go to Microdose.com and use code NORMALPEOPLE to get free shipping and 30% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Thomas Jay Oord, a renowned theologian and philosopher, discusses his recent church trial within the Church of the Nazarene, advocating for LGBTQ+ affirmation. He reflects on the personal and institutional challenges he faced, critiquing traditional theological stances on love and sexuality. The conversation explores evolving beliefs about inclusivity, the toll of advocacy on personal faith, and the shortcomings of church disciplinary systems. Oord emphasizes the need for open dialogue and community support in navigating the complexities of faith and identity.

Thomas Jay Oord, a notable theologian and author, discusses his recent heresy trial for advocating LGBTQ+ inclusion. He shares his journey from a traditionalist view of faith to one anchored in love and acceptance. Oord delves into the emotional challenges of navigating divides in religious communities regarding sexual orientation, emphasizing the need for compassion and dialogue. He reflects on the complexities of scriptural interpretations and personal experiences while advocating for a more inclusive approach to theology.

In this engaging conversation, theologian Thomas Jay Oord discusses the landscape of faith deconstruction. He shares insights from surveying those in transition, highlighting personal journeys that reflect the complexities of belief and identity post-9/11. Oord explores the balance between fear and freedom in questioning traditions, tackling vital issues like church abuse and biblical inconsistencies. The dialogue emphasizes the potential for both harm and healing in reevaluating faith, inviting listeners to embrace uncertainty and seek a constructive path forward.

Dr. Thomas Jay Oord explores open and relational theology as an alternative to deconstruction. They discuss the benefits of being open to new knowledge and experiences, share personal stories of deconstruction, and announce upcoming live events. They also delve into evolving views of God and offer approaches to engaging with the Bible after deconstruction. The episode explores the challenges and real-world implications of deconstruction and reflects on understanding God as love.

Renowned theologians discuss entering difficult conversations with calmness, avoiding forcing opinions. Navigating disagreements for personal growth, understanding, and balance. Importance of silence in grief and daily life. Embracing diverse perspectives on controversial topics with empathy and humility. Expressing gratitude, navigating uncertainty in political landscape.

This podcast explores the multifaceted perspectives on love, linking it to God and emphasizing intentional actions to enhance general well-being. It challenges traditional views on God's omnipotence in Christianity, advocating for prioritizing love over control. The speaker discusses enhancing love through understanding and relationships, promoting active listening and continuous learning in love.

In this engaging discussion, Thomas Jay Oord, a prominent advocate for Open and Relational Theology and prolific author, tackles critiques from social media. He introduces 'amipotence,' a refreshing view of divine power rooted in love and engagement, challenging traditional interpretations of God. Oord also shares insights from his upcoming book, emphasizing narrative and community in shaping faith. He explores the intricate relationships between faith, knowledge, and empathy, showcasing how these themes influence both personal experiences and broader theological understanding.

Thomas Jay Oord, a renowned theologian specializing in Open and Relational theology, tackles thought-provoking questions about faith and existence. They discuss the implications of extraterrestrial intelligence on theology, suggesting that faith can evolve and coexist harmoniously with diverse beliefs. Oord also challenges conventional views on Jesus' death, presenting it as a dynamic relationship with humanity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, hope, and inclusive dialogue in spiritual experiences.