About the Author: Thomas Jay Oord

Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord is an award-winning author, and he has written or edited more than twenty books. A twelve-time Faculty Award winning professor, Oord teaches at institutions around the globe. A gifted speaker, Oord is known for his contributions to research on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, and the implications of freedom and relationships for transformation.

  • God After Deconstruction

    By Published On: April 5, 2024

    Thomas Jay Oord and Tripp Fuller offer an open and relational vision of God. This vision makes sense, fits our experience, and is livable. The open and relational view aligns with our deep intuitions about love and freedom.

  • The Worship Problem

    By Published On: June 30, 2023

    Theists in general and Christians in particular often worship a God they call “omnipotent.” This practice creates profound problems.

  • The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence

    By Published On: April 11, 2023

    Omnipotence is dead. At least it should be. It has no biblical support. And it dies a death of a thousand qualifications in philosophy.

  • Open and Relational Leadership: Leading with Love

    By Published On: June 11, 2020

    We've been thinking about leadership the wrong way. What if good leaders lead like God? And what if God's leading is open and relational?

  • We Can Lament and Explain

    By Published On: April 23, 2020

    I agree lament can be a place “where the presence and healing love of God can dwell.” And from this place, I think new possibilities, acts of kindness, scientific understanding, and new hope can emerge. God can squeeze some good from lament. But do we have to choose between lament and explanation?

  • The Uncontrolling Love of God: An Open and Relational Account of Providence

    By Published On: June 6, 2019

    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 non-coercive love in relation to creation.

  • Can God Stop Climate Change Singlehandedly?

    By Published On: February 12, 2019

    The news is devastating. Our planet is on a crash course with wide-scale death and degradation. The poorest of people and the most vulnerable of species are getting hit the hardest. It isn’t a pretty picture! Does God care?

  • God Can’t

    How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils

    By Published On: January 7, 2019

    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. Not only do the usual answers fail, they don’t support the truth God loves everyone all the time. God Can’t gives a believable answer to why a good and powerful doesn’t prevent evil.