Analyses the fundamentals of love, the basic characteristics of existence that must be present for love to be expressed, concluding with the important argument that progress can be made when religion and science work together to both understand and promote love.
Rarely does a new theological position emerge to account well for life in the world, including not only goodness and beauty but also tragedy and randomness. Drawing from Scripture, science, philosophy and various theological traditions, Thomas Jay Oord offers a novel theology of providence—essential kenosis—that emphasizes God's inherently noncoercive love in relation to creation.
Hurting people ask heart-felt questions about God and suffering. Some "answers" they receive appeal to mystery: “God’s ways are not our ways”. Some answers say God allows evil for a greater purpose. Some say evil is God's punishment. The usual answers fail. They don't support the truth that God loves everyone all the time. God Can't gives a believable answer to why a good and powerful God doesn't prevent evil. Author Thomas Jay Oord says God’s love is inherently uncontrolling. God loves everyone and everything, so God can't control anyone or anything. This means God cannot prevent evil singlehandedly. God can’t stop evildoers, whether human, animal, organism, or inanimate objects and forces. In God Can't, Oord gives a plausible reason why some are healed, but many others are not. God always works to heal everyone, but sometimes our bodies, organisms, or other creatures do not cooperate with God's healing work. Or the conditions of creation are not right for the healing God wants to do. Some people think God causes or allows suffering to teach us lessons or build our character. God Can't disagrees. Oord says God squeezes good from the evil God didn’t want in the first place. God uses pain and suffering without willing or even allowing it. Most people think God can overcome evil singlehandedly. In God Can't, Oord says God needs cooperation for love to reign now and later. This leads to a better view of the afterlife called “relentless love.” It rejects traditional ideas of heaven, hell, and annihilation. Relentless love holds to the possibility all creatures and all creation will respond to God’s love. God Can't is written in understandable language. As a world-renown theologian, Thomas Jay Oord brings credibility to the book’s radical ideas. He explains these ideas through true stories, illustrations, and scripture. God Can't is for those who want answers to tragedy, abuse, and other evils that make sense! What They're Saying... “If conventional notions of God make less and less sense to you, you’ll find Thomas Jay Oord’s new book a breath of fresh air. Simply put, “God Can’t” presents an understanding of God that thoughtful, ethical people can believe in.” -- Brian D. McLaren, author of The Great Spiritual Migration "I did not want this book to end. I wish Dr. Oord had written it 100 years ago, or 1000 years ago... To find your understanding of life and your love for God renewed, read this book." -- Dr. Karen Strand Winslow, Ph.D., Biblical and Jewish Studies Professor of Bible, Azusa Pacific University "As a clinical psychologist working with people in trauma, I owe Thomas Jay Oord an enormous debt of gratitude for recasting the so-called problem of evil in terms that are conceptually satisfying, theologically consistent, and pastorally liberating.” -- Dr Roger Bretherton- Principal Lecturer at the University of Lincoln (UK), Chair of the British Association of Christians in Psychology “Victims of trauma sometimes hear theological responses that imply their suffering is somehow “God’s will." A more careful theological reflection on the nature of the power of a God who is love can help. Oord gives us a clear and compelling alternative in this profoundly insightful and admirably concrete and accessible book.” -- Dr. Anna Case-Winters, Professor of Theology at McCormick Theological Seminary “I know of no book that speaks to suffering with the depth of theological sophistication and psychological sensitivity as God Can’t. This book is a rare combination of depth and accessibility, truly written for the wounded. I recommend it to my students, parishioners, and therapy clients.” -- Dr. Brad D. Strawn, Professor of the Integration of Psychology and Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary
God is love. Consequently, shouldn't love exist at the center of Christian theology? When love is at the center, theology is understood differently than it has typically been understood. Some theologians have placed faith at the center, others God's sovereignty, still others-the Church, but Dr. Oord places the emphasis on love. God's love for us, revealed in Christ, in the Church, and in creation, and our love for God and others as ourselves-must be afforded its rightful place. Beginning with the foundation of "love" is what differentiates the Christian faith from others.a loving God. Dr. Oord defines love as: "To love is to act intentionally, in sympathetic/empathetic response to God and others, to promote overall well-being." Is this not what has defined Christians throughout history?
If God can't prevent evil, what can God do? In his best-selling book, God Can't: How to Believe in God and Love After Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils, Thomas Jay Oord solves the problem of suffering. Oord offers five aspects of a real answer to why a loving God doesn't prevent pointless pain. The most helpful: God can't stop evil singlehandedly. In this follow-up, Oord answers questions God Can't readers asked about his ground-breaking proposals. The answers are in this book, and they solve age-old conundrums. Questions and Answers for God Can't addresses questions such as... If God can't control creation, why pray? If God's love is uncontrolling, how do we explain miracles? What does an uncontrolling God actually do? What does it mean to say God loves everyone and everything? How does Jesus fit into a theology of uncontrolling love? If a loving God created the universe, why is evil even possible? What hope do we have if God's love is noncontrolling? How do you know God can't prevent evil? In a conversational style, Oord offers chapter-length answers. The result is a compelling view of God! Questions and Answers for God Can't answers questions clear-eyed thinkers ask. This book deepens our trust in a God of uncontrolling love. Thinking people need this book! Topics of interest: prayer, divine action, hope, miracles, Genesis, the meaning of love, eschatology, suffering, Jesus, the problem of evil, the virgin birth, science and religion, John Wesley, providence, biblical inspiration, the afterlife, Coronavirus, worship, creation from nothing, doubt, progress, resurrection, science
This book is a call for change. Even more, it calls for open conversation about change. For too long, many in the Church of the Nazarene have considered the doctrine of holiness off limits, a sacred cow, impervious to all forces of cultural modification and theological renewal. It's time for a real change, because the church needs renovation! These 100+ essays from Millennial and Xer leaders explore how holiness might be understood and lived today.
We all know the saying, "Love can change the world." When science looks at love, it considers cosmology, sociobiology, evolutionary psychology, neurology, sex and romance, and the role of emotions as each relates to love. It also explores religious, ethical, and philosophical issues, such as virtue, creation ex nihilo, progress, divine action, agape, values, religious practices, pacifism, sexuality, friendship, freedom, and marriage. All affect the ways in which people understand each other and interact with one another. In this book, Oord explores these varied dimensions of love, illuminating the love-science symbiosis for both scholars and general readers. His definition of love is "to act intentionally, in sympathetic response to others (including God), to promote overall well-being. Love acts are influenced by previous actions and executed in the hope of attaining a high degree of good for all." He begins his study with an exploration of the role love plays in all major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. He explains how divine love in action can be viewed as consonant with the big bang theory and the continual creation of the universe. He looks at pacifism and concludes that nonviolence is not always the most loving thing (sometimes violence must be used to rescue victims or prevent holocausts). He explores the animal kingdom to see how creatures work together with the Creator to make the world a better place. And he analyzes the fundamentals of love, the basic characteristics of existence that must be present for love to be expressed. He concludes with the important argument that progress can best be made when religion and science work together to both understand and promote love.
Some scientific studies suggest that human beings are innately selfish and that Christian virtues like self-sacrifice are a delusion. In this intriguing volume, esteemed theologian Thomas Jay Oord interprets the scientific research and responds from a theological and philosophical standpoint, providing a state-of-the-art overview of love and altruism studies. He offers a definition of love that is scientifically, theologically, and philosophically adequate. As Oord helps readers arrive at a clearer understanding of the definition, recipients, and forms of love, he mounts a case for Christian agape and ultimately for a loving God.
Omnipotence is dead. At least it should be. It has no biblical support. And it dies a death of a thousand qualifications in philosophy. Those harmed and hurting wonder why an omnipotent God doesn't prevent pointless pain. The problem of evil buries omnipotence six feet under. But the death of omnipotence is not the death of God. In this ground-breaking book, best-selling and award-winning author Thomas Jay Oord explains why omnipotence should be rejected. But Oord offers a replacement: amipotence, the power of uncontrolling love. If we think love shapes and guides God's power, we make better sense of life. And better sense of the Bible. Amipotence explains why God doesn't prevent genuine evil and overcomes other obstacles to belief. An amipotent Spirit empowers all that is loving, true, beautiful, and good. No book makes a bolder but more needed argument for why God is not all-powerful. In this book, those who care about love, scripture, and logic find what they've been looking for. Get a copy of The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence! Endorsements: "Omnipotence has long been considered a basic, non-negotiable, characteristic of God. But is it biblical? And does it push us toward theological landmines that blow up faith? In this book, Oord, with his typical gentle candor, lays out the complex issues in clear and readable chunks. In the end, Oord points to the beauty and comfort of a God who is uncontrolling love." - Peter Enns, professor of biblical studies at Eastern University, author of Curveball "Thomas Jay Oord challenges one of the most fundamental attributes of God—omnipotence. He discloses that a narrow view of God as ‘Almighty’ is neither biblical nor adequately describes the God of Jesus Christ. Oord offers a new view of God as ‘amipotent.’ The power of God is the power of love, and the power of unconditional love is our strength. Oord has made an important contribution to restoring the biblical God, a God who is ever faithful in love, not a power over us but the power beneath our wings." - Ilia Delio, OSF, Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology, Villanova University "Omnipotence is widely believed to be one of the most important attributes of God. In this book, Thomas Jay Oord proposes a highly original and thought-provoking thesis: instead of omnipotent, God should be considered ‘amipotent.’ This is an important book which can radically change the way we approach central problems in philosophy of religion and philosophical theology." - Yujin Nagasawa, H. G. Wood Professor of the Philosophy of Religion, University of Birmingham "Finally God’s love has been saved from God’s control—faithfully, definitively, attractively! In this vibrantly accessible work, Thomas Jay Oord puts to rest the demoralizing, incoherent, and by the way nonbiblical notion of controlling omnipotence, used to justify endless injustice. In its stead, he unleashes ‘amipotence’— code for the power of love. Its time has come: preach it, teach it, live it!" - Catherine Keller, Drew Theological School, and Author of Political Theology of Love "This book provides a provocative argument that cannot be easily dismissed. This is the kind of nuance that contemporary debates over models of God need to consider." - R.T. Mullins, Professor of Philosophical Theology, University of Lucerne "Oord charts a path to theological freedom from the tyranny of an omnipotent God. This book is theology at its best: grounded in scripture, rooted in love, and engaged with brilliant and spirit-filled minds. If you have found yourself (rightfully!) unable to accept the horrifying implications of omnipotence but struggle to conceive of a God worth calling “God” ... good news! This is the book for you." - Sarah Lane Ritchie, Science & Religion Scholar
This book tells the best news you will ever hear--ever! The authors guarantee that your life will change for the better by the time you finish reading it. They are confident in sharing this great news, because they are not making it up; it's true! The Best News You Will Ever Hear reports news that has changed millions and millions of people. And it reports that news in a way that you've never heard. Prepare yourself, focus your attention and read carefully. This news should change your life for good, forever!
The insights in these 90+ essays are nothing short of inspiring! Their tips on best practices for social engagement, time management, social media as a resource for scholarship or creativity, technology and pedagogy, etc. will help readers tremendously. The contributors are diverse. They include.... - Public theologians like Ben Corey, Brian McLaren, and Richard Rohr - Younger scholars like Tripp Fuller, Jory Micah, and Alexis Waggoner - Biblical scholars like Michael Gorman, Joel Green, and Daniel Kirk - Philosophers like Helen De Cruz, Aaron Simmons, and Kevin Timpe - Establish scholars like James Crossley, Kwok Pui-lan, and Amos Yong - Scholars outside North America like Deane Galbraith, RT Mullins, Hanna Reichel, and Atle Sovik - Pastoral theologians like Patricia Farmer, Len Sweet, and Kurt Willems - Historical theologians like Kim Alexander and Christine Helmer - Science and religion scholars like Ron Cole-Turner, Karl Giberson, Lea Schweitz, and Jim Stump - Constructive theologians like Oliver Crisp, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, and Jason Lepojarvi - Ethicists like Miguel De La Torre, David Gushee, and Michael Hardin ...and the list goes on! Whether the reader is an armchair theologian, a professional scholar, a graduate student, or simply interested in how social media is changing religious and philosophical studies, that reader will find Theologians and Philosophers Using Social Media of great help. pedagogy, religious education, philosophy, religion, theology, Christian education, activism, online education, Facebook, moocs, technology, social media
Deconstruction is hard! Bad views of God and harmful experiences lead many of us to deconstruct. But we’re right to run from the nonsense we’ve been taught and from those who hurt us. God After Deconstruction will not be welcomed by traditionalists. It’s not a book for people who want the status quo or who think conventional theology works. It isn’t for people who just want to tweak a bit what they’ve been taught. Thomas Jay Oord and Tripp Fuller offer an open and relational vision of God. This vision makes sense; it fits our experience; it’s livable. The open and relational view aligns with our deep intuitions about love and freedom. God After Deconstruction is for those deconstructing and those wanting help after deconstruction. It’s for people in the fire and those with scars. God After Deconstruction is an adventure for lovers in tumultuous times! Buy this book. Six-Word Endorsements for God After Deconstruction “When everything goes, only God remains.” -- Simon Cross, chair of the Progressive Christianity Network (Britain) "Helpful companion on your deconstruction journey.” -- EDJ, author of Deconstructing Religious Sexual Trauma: A Memoir “A faith beyond deconstruction is possible.” -- Kathy Escobar, author of Faith Shift and Practicing “A relational way to think about purpose.” -- Jonathan J. Foster, author of indigo: the color of grief "This is a really great book." -- Keith Giles, author of the 7-part "Jesus Un" book series“ A God-centric approach to deconstruction.” -- David Hayward, aka NakedPastor “A compassionate primer on our deconstruction.” -- Angela Herrington, author of Deconstructing Your Faith Without Losing Yourself “A thoughtful third way - highly recommended.” -- Olivia Jackson, author of (Un)Certain “Life-giving for doubters, deconstructors, wonderers.” -- Mark Karris, author of The Diabolical Trinity “Powerful, essential, required reading for everyone.” -- Grace Ji-Sun Kim, Madang Podcast and author of Invisible “Adventure guide to life after deconstruction.” -- Brian D. McLaren, author of Do I Stay Christian? "I've always believed in this God!" -- Mason Mennenga, A People's Theology podcast "A deconstruction journey worth taking!" -- Sherri Pallas, author of We Have Ruined God "An exvangelical deconstruction guide to God." -- Jim Palmer, author of Inner Anarchy “A haven for the hard questions.” -- Elizabeth Petters, the Deconstructing Mamas podcast “Faces the hard questions without blinking.” -- Janet Kellogg Ray, The God of Monkey Science “The God you need right now!” -- Gary Alan Taylor, the Sophia Society “Everyone deconstructing should read this book.” -- Tim Whitaker, creator of The New Evangelicals “The God of Love always triumphs!” -- John Williamson, The Deconstructionists Podcast
Shier-Jones offers a theological and practical guide for pioneer ministers (both ordained and lay) and mission minded congregations on how to initiate and support fresh expressions of Church. Drawing on Scripture as well as real life case studies, she illustrates best practice – and highlights the possible dangers – in working to transform a God-given vision for mission into a reality.
Exploring Christian Scripture: Issues, Themes, Books, Topics John Wesley believed the Scriptures are a complete rule of faith and practice" and "they are clear in all necessary points." To this affirmation, Wesley immediately adds, "and yet their clearness does not prove that they need not be explained" The book you are holding emerged as a companion to a Scripture conference at Northwest Nazarene University. Many scholars at the conference contributed essays to this important book. About half of the essays address vital issues, such as biblical inspiration, inerrancy, interpretation, and authority. John Wesley's approach to the Bible is examined, and some essays explore how the Bible ought to be approached in a postmodern world. Other essays address crucial themes in various books of the Bible. These essays will help preachers and teachers greatly as they work to present the truths of Scripture to contemporary people. If understanding the Bible well is a high priority to you, this may become one of the most important books you'll ever read!
What may look to the untrained eye like a barren landscape, looks to the trained eye like an illustration of wondrous beauty. What we see is less important than the perspective from which we see it. Michael Thomas sees things from way outside the box, and so has a fresh perspective we all can benefit from. It is difficult for an academic to see the ways of the world and it is uncommon for a worldly man to appreciate the realm of the academic. It is a singular gift when one man can walk in both worlds, as a practicing normal human being as well as a student of mankind. Read this book and see for yourself.
A masterpiece from the preeminent theologian of love!" A strong case can be made that love is the core of Christian faith. And yet Christians often fail to give love center stage in biblical studies and theology. And most fail to explain what they mean by love. Why is this? Thomas Jay Oord explores this question and offers ground-breaking answers. Oord addresses leading Christian thinkers today and of yesteryear. He explains biblical forms of love, such as agape, philia, hesed, and ahavah. We should understand love’s meaning as uniform, he says, but its expressions are pluriform. Widely regarded as the world's foremost theologian of love, Thomas Jay Oord tackles our biggest puzzles about the nature and meaning of love, divine and creaturely. His proposals are novel. They align with love described in scripture and expressed in everyday experience. Oord also provides radical and yet persuasive answers to questions about evil, hell, the Big Bang, divine violence, divine abandonment, and more. Pluriform Love changes the landscape of Christian love studies. ... What they're saying... “Thomas Jay Oord is the first to systematically clarify a variety of types of love and show that all are characteristic of God. This is an original contribution to theology. Though a complex task, Oord writes in an accessible and attractive way.” John B. Cobb, Jr., Cobb Institute, Author of Salvation: Jesus’s Mission and Ours “Christian theology in the years to come will need a facelift—a true restoration of the biblical witness to the centrality of God’s love. If we wish to help make the faith truly relatable to our world today, Oord’s clear, compassionate, and compelling voice is one we will be thankful for.” Peter Enns, Eastern University and Co-host of The Bible for Normal People “Thomas Jay Oord adds to his proposals on open and relational theology, developing a theology of love which is both uniform in meaning and pluriform according to situation and recipients. The volume is indispensable for those researching the nature of love.” Paul Fiddes, University of Oxford “The glowing multiform forcefield of love embraces every sentence of Pluriform Love. Free of sentimentality and pretense, refusing to pit eros and agape against each other, it unfolds a full-scale theology. This amorous vision will attract a wide readership.” Catherine Keller, Drew University, Author of Facing Apocalypse "Thomas Oord is a global leader exploring the primacy of love within Christian thought and practice. In this book, he presents a theology of love in a loving way. When he grapples with the Scriptures, he shows an attitude of fairness. His writing style combines scholarly depth with accessible simplicity. In the end, Oord makes a radical claim: much of traditional Christian theology cannot take love as seriously as it must. Love must revolutionize Christian theology, and Oord explains how.” Brian D. McLaren, Author of Do I Stay Christian? “This is a rigorous, provocative, creative, and very readable account of the meaning of love, especially divine love. It’s a very important contribution to theological thought on this central topic.” Keith Ward, University of Oxford ...
Conversations, Discussions And Anecdotes Of Thomas Story has been considered by academicians and scholars of great significance and value to literature. This forms a part of the knowledge base for future generations. So that the book is never forgotten we have represented this book in a print format as the same form as it was originally first published. Hence any marks or annotations seen are left intentionally to preserve its true nature.
Omnipotence is dead. At least it should be. It has no biblical support. And it dies a death of a thousand qualifications in philosophy. Those harmed and hurting wonder why an omnipotent God doesn't prevent pointless pain. The problem of evil buries omnipotence six feet under. But the death of omnipotence is not the death of God. In this ground-breaking book, best-selling and award-winning author Thomas Jay Oord explains why omnipotence should be rejected. But Oord offers a replacement: amipotence, the power of uncontrolling love. If we think love shapes and guides God's power, we make better sense of life. And better sense of the Bible. Amipotence explains why God doesn't prevent genuine evil and overcomes other obstacles to belief. An amipotent Spirit empowers all that is loving, true, beautiful, and good. No book makes a bolder but more needed argument for why God is not all-powerful. In this book, those who care about love, scripture, and logic find what they've been looking for. Get a copy of The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence! Endorsements: "Omnipotence has long been considered a basic, non-negotiable, characteristic of God. But is it biblical? And does it push us toward theological landmines that blow up faith? In this book, Oord, with his typical gentle candor, lays out the complex issues in clear and readable chunks. In the end, Oord points to the beauty and comfort of a God who is uncontrolling love." - Peter Enns, professor of biblical studies at Eastern University, author of Curveball "Thomas Jay Oord challenges one of the most fundamental attributes of God—omnipotence. He discloses that a narrow view of God as ‘Almighty’ is neither biblical nor adequately describes the God of Jesus Christ. Oord offers a new view of God as ‘amipotent.’ The power of God is the power of love, and the power of unconditional love is our strength. Oord has made an important contribution to restoring the biblical God, a God who is ever faithful in love, not a power over us but the power beneath our wings." - Ilia Delio, OSF, Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology, Villanova University "Omnipotence is widely believed to be one of the most important attributes of God. In this book, Thomas Jay Oord proposes a highly original and thought-provoking thesis: instead of omnipotent, God should be considered ‘amipotent.’ This is an important book which can radically change the way we approach central problems in philosophy of religion and philosophical theology." - Yujin Nagasawa, H. G. Wood Professor of the Philosophy of Religion, University of Birmingham "Finally God’s love has been saved from God’s control—faithfully, definitively, attractively! In this vibrantly accessible work, Thomas Jay Oord puts to rest the demoralizing, incoherent, and by the way nonbiblical notion of controlling omnipotence, used to justify endless injustice. In its stead, he unleashes ‘amipotence’— code for the power of love. Its time has come: preach it, teach it, live it!" - Catherine Keller, Drew Theological School, and Author of Political Theology of Love "This book provides a provocative argument that cannot be easily dismissed. This is the kind of nuance that contemporary debates over models of God need to consider." - R.T. Mullins, Professor of Philosophical Theology, University of Lucerne "Oord charts a path to theological freedom from the tyranny of an omnipotent God. This book is theology at its best: grounded in scripture, rooted in love, and engaged with brilliant and spirit-filled minds. If you have found yourself (rightfully!) unable to accept the horrifying implications of omnipotence but struggle to conceive of a God worth calling “God” ... good news! This is the book for you." - Sarah Lane Ritchie, Science & Religion Scholar
These facsimile pages are taken from a Latin Book of Hours and a liturgical Latin Psalter which were in St. Thomas More's possession while he was a prisoner in the Tower of London and which he used for meditation during the period before his execution. In the margins of nineteen pages of the Book of Hours, More wrote his “Godly Meditation,” lines resonant with his intense spirituality as he pondered his awaiting death yet reflecting the lot of any Christian as he endeavors to “walk the narrow way”; the margins of the Psalter include 150 notes that give deep insight into More's personal grief and sorrows during his imprisonment. The annotated pages of both volumes are here reproduced in their original size, with those from the Book of Hours in full color.Mr. Martz and Mr. Sylvester, both professor of English at Yale University and chairman and executive editor, respectively, of the Yale Edition of the Works of St. Thomas More, provide full transcriptions of all the marginalia, with translations of the Latin notes, as well as an Introduction describing the books and analyzing the spiritual and scholarly significance of the annotation. A companion volume to the Yale Edition of the Complete Works of St. Thomas More.
Although numbers as Volume 4, this is the second of the Complete Works to appear, following The History of King Richard III. The Latin text is based on the editions of 1516, 1517, and 1518, fully collated and with the variant readings; the parallel English text is a thoroughly revised version of the translation by G. C. Richards. Also included are the letters on the book exchanged by More and his friends, their tributes, and the marginal glosses of the early editions. The text is followed by a commentary on the relation of Utopia to its own age and as it has been interpreted by scholars. The editors' Introduction included an outline of the genesis and composition of Utopia, edited by Father Surtz, will also appear in the Yale Paperbound format. Father Surtz is professor of English at Loyola University, and Mr. Hexter is professor of history at Yale University. Previously announced.
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