Best Open And Relational Theology Podcasts (2025)

1
God the Created - With Benjamin Chicka 1:27:37

1d ago1:27:37

1:27:37

In this episode of the (Re)thinking Faith podcast, host Josh Patterson engages with Dr. Benjamin Chicka, a senior lecturer in philosophy and religion. They discuss the current challenges in academia, the relationship between theology and philosophy, and the implications of classical substance theism. Dr. Chicka introduces his work on pragmatic cons…

1
Ep. 266: The Old Testament 2:29

1d ago2:29

2:29

In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the book entitled The Old Testament and Process Theology by Robert Gnuse. Gnuse writes in his book commenting on the relationality of God with creation in the Old Testament, "To speak of God as active in human history implies that God can enter into a process of interrelationship involving contingency and chan…

1
Pope Francis' Legacy: A Global Church in Transition 1:14:54

3d ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Text us your questions! Pope Francis, a man who inspired even many Protestants and non-Christians with his refreshingly prophetic voice, has died. The process to select his successor is ongoing as we release this. To help us understand what's happening, as well as its historical significance, we're talking with our friend and returning guest Shaun …

1
Ep. 265: Uncontrolled Worship 2:55

7d ago2:55

2:55

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Doral Hayes entitled, Uncontrolled Worship. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Doral Hayes will be one of the speakers at the upcoming Uncontrolling L…

1
Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology? - With Nijay Gupta 1:13:02

9d ago1:13:02

1:13:02

This week I was joined by New Testament Scholar Dr. Nijay Gupta to talk about his latest book, "The Affections of Christ: Love at the Heart of Paul's Theology". Paul has been written off by many of us in the more progressive Christian spaces and for some good reasons. Dr. Gupta's book convinced me to give Paul another chance though... could it be t…

1
Does the Bible Affirm LGB Relationships? Interview with Matthew Vines (Part 1) 58:39

9d ago58:39

58:39

Text us your questions! Matthew Vines is here to discuss the revised and expanded edition of his influential book God and the Gay Christian, marking eleven years since its initial release. The book sent shockwaves through evangelical Christianity and remains a powerful and compelling case for an affirming reading of the Bible for those who want to …

1
Ep. 264: Returning to the Way of Persuasion 2:48

9d ago2:48

2:48

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses a book of 12 essays edited by Dr. Andrew Davis entitled, From Force to Persuasion: Process-Relational Perspectives on Power and the God of Love Each of the 12 essays, written from esteemed process-relational theologians, focuses on reframing understandings of divine power in light of the essential divine attribut…

1
Proudly Queer & Boldly Christian - With Brandan Robertson 1:13:56

15d ago1:13:56

1:13:56

This week on (Re)thinking Faith, Josh is joined by pastor, author, and activist Brandan Robertson to explore his latest book, "Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table". Together, they dive into the tensions, beauty, and transformative possibilities at the intersection of Queer identity and Christian faith. Enj…

1
Ep. 263: Neural Relational Amipotence 2:36

16d ago2:36

2:36

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Shaleen Kendrick entitled, Neural Relational Amipotence. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Shaleen Kendrick will also be one of the many speakers at …

1
Josh on Theology Nerd Throwdown - With Tripp Fuller and Bo Sanders 1:22:45

20d ago1:22:45

1:22:45

Heres a little something fun... a few weeks ago I was in North Carolina hanging out with Tripp. Since I was already at his house, he decided to surprise Bo with my 20ish Q's game. This was live streamed on Youtube and originally released on the Theology Nerd Throwdown podcast feed. Enjoy and come hang out with us at Theology Beer Camp! RESOURCES: T…

1
Cultivating Open & Relational Communities - With Ulrick Dam 1:09:55

22d ago1:09:55

1:09:55

This week my friend Ulrick Dam returns to the podcast for a follow up conversation about his book, "Building the Basileia: Moving the Church into the 22nd Century". We take a deep dive into back half of his book looking to apply Open and Relational Theology to the cultivation of community. I always have a great time hanging out with Ulrick and this…

1
Ep. 262: Keith Ward on Karl Barth 2:38

23d ago2:38

2:38

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses a new book from Keith Ward entitled, Karl Barth on Religion: A Critique. In this study, Keith Ward offers a detailed critique of Barth's views on religion and revelation as articulated in Church Dogmatics. ORTCON25 the annual Open and Relational Conference (ORTCON25) will take place from June 30 - July 4 at the b…

1
We Need to Talk About It 1:12:56

25d ago1:12:56

1:12:56

Text us your questions! This is a conversation we've been avoiding: how are we doing now that Donald Trump is president again? As we had a break between interviews, we decided to try to unpack how we're feeling, what we're doing, what we've learned about ourselves, and what we're worried and hopeful about. This is an unusually impromptu and unpolis…

1
Eternal in Love - With R.T. Mullins 1:38:59

28d ago1:38:59

1:38:59

This week RT Mullins returned to the podcast to talk about his latest book, "Eternal in Love: A Little Book About A Big God". In this conversation we discuss various models of God ultimately seeking out a God who is eternal in love. His book and this conversation is a great and in depth introduction into the doctrine of God. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Etern…

1
Ep. 261: Pediatrics and Amipotence 3:35

30d ago3:35

3:35

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Chris Hanson entitled, Theology, Pediatrics and Everyday Life. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Chris will also be a speaker at the annual Open and …

1
Engaging Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible - With Liz Charlotte Grant 1:15:23

1M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

This week Liz Charlotte Grant joins the podcast for a conversation around her new book "Knock at the Sky: Seeking God In Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible". We have a fun conversation discussing various ways to read and engage the Bible outside of the confines of inerrancy and infallibility. Enjoy! RESOURCES: Knock at the Sky (Book) LizCharlo…

1
Ep. 260: Whitehead and Teilhard 3:43

1M ago3:43

3:43

In this episode, Dr. Oord engages with the recently published book, Whitehead and Teilhard: From Organism to Omega. The book, edited by Ilia Delio and Andrew Davis, is a compilation of essays interacting with the work of philosopher Alfred North Whitehead and paleontologist and theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. The Center for Christogenesis wi…

1
Re-Release - Outrage Porn, Echo Chambers, and the Seduction of Clarity: Interview with C. Thi Nguyen 1:02:25

1M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Text us your questions! This is a re-release of an episode from our second season when we spoke with philosopher C Thi Nguyen. We think it bears re-listening in our current moment. ===== What happens when we seek simple answers in a complex world? Philosopher C Thi Nguyen takes us into the machinery of belief, understanding, and value formation, ex…

1
Ep. 259: The Uncontrolling Love of God Conference (UK) 2:09

1M ago2:09

2:09

The first ever Open and Relational Theology in the UK will take place June 4 - 6 at the Highgate House Conference Centre, a beautiful venue in Northampton, United Kingdom, perfect for deep conversations and meaningful connections. Accommodation is ensuite and full board. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to delve into the mysteries of divine love!…

1
Cultivating Hope and Possibility in Times of Crisis - With Catherine Keller 1:11:32

1M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

This week I had the joy of being in conversation with Dr. Catherine Keller to discuss her latest book, "No Matter What: Crisis and the Spirit of Planetary Possibility". Hope is not simple optimism, but a participation in the Spirit of Possibility. Dr. Keller and I discuss what it means to cultivate hope during the time of crisis we find ourselves i…

1
Ep. 258: An Open and Relational Queer Theology 2:55

2M ago2:55

2:55

In this episode Dr. Oord engages with the new book from Michael Brennan entitled Flourish: An Open and Relational Queer Theology. Michael Brennan will be one of many speakers at the upcoming Open and Relational Theology Conference (ORTCON25) June 30 - July 4. For information and registration visit: https://c4ort.com/ortcon/…

1
Ep. 257: ORTCON25 2:16

2M ago2:16

2:16

The annual Open and Relational Conference (ORTCON25) will take place from June 30 - July 4 at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming. ORTCON25 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, and activists. The conference provides workshops, lectures, and social activities to deepen relationships and present new ways …

1
In Search of a God Worthy of Worship - With Lina Langby 1:32:20

2M ago1:32:20

1:32:20

This week I was joined by Dr. Lina Langby to discuss her dissertation, "God and the World: Pragmatic and Epistemic Arguments For Panentheistic and Pantheistic Conceptions of the God-World Relationship". Langby takes us on a journey searching for a God worthy of worship assessing the impacts of Classical Theism, Panentheism, and Pantheism on gender …

1
What Happens When You're Done with Religion Altogether? 1:19:50

2M ago1:19:50

1:19:50

Text us your questions! What happens when the foundation of your identity crumbles beneath you? When the lens through which you understood the world no longer works? Psychologist Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren joins us to explore this profound transition that one-fifth of Americans have experienced—leaving religion behind. Drawing from eight years of groun…

1
From Chaos to Ambiguity: A Theology of Noise Rock - With Jeremy Hunt 1:46:52

2M ago1:46:52

1:46:52

This week I was joined by Jeremy Hunt for a fun conversation around his lates book, "From Chaos to Ambiguity: A Theology of Noise Rock". It is not often that I get to nerd out about my love for music and my love for theology in the same conversation! We take a deep dive into the history of Punk to No Wave to Noise Rock. We discuss the power of musi…

1
Ep. 256: The Prevenience of Amipotence 3:44

2M ago3:44

3:44

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Brandon Brown entitled, The Prevenience of Amipotence. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work (co-edited by Brandon Brown) interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.…

1
A Theology of the Microbiome - With John F. Pohl 1:39:07

2M ago1:39:07

1:39:07

This week I was joined by Gastroenterologist and Theologian Dr. John F. Pohl for a deep exploration of the intersection of Science, Medicine, and Theology. We talked about his recent book, "A Theology of the Microbiome: An Intersection of Divinity and the Microbial Life Within Us". In this conversation Dr. Pohl gives us a rundown of the microbial l…

1
Ep. 255: Love Without Qualification 4:02

2M ago4:02

4:02

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Anna Case-Winters entitled, Love Without Qualification. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 1 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Anna Case-Winters will be one of numerous keynote speakers …

1
Unpacking Open and Relational Theology: Interview with Tom Oord 1:20:45

2M ago1:20:45

1:20:45

Text us your questions! Tom Oord is back! This time, we're discussing his "main thing": open and relational theology. We explore what it means and its significance in reshaping our understanding of God, love, prayer, and more. Tom answers our questions graciously, and we try to convince Randy that he's wrong. How is open and relational theology dif…

1
Ep. 254: Even God Can't Have It All 2:22

2M ago2:22

2:22

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Donna Bowman entitled, Even God Can't Have It All. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 1 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.By Thomas Jay Oord

1
Searching For A Just God in the Midst of Oppression - With Nicky Pizaña & Adam Clark 1:25:26

2M ago1:25:26

1:25:26

This week I was joined by my friends Nicky Pizaña and Dr. Adam Clark for a challenging but important conversation. In 1973 Dr. William R. Jones published a book titled, "Is God A White Racist: A Preamble to Black Theology". In this book, Jones concluded that if the God of classical theism is true, then God is indeed a White Racist. Is the claim tha…

1
Ep. 253: Is God a Hypocrite? 2:47

2M ago2:47

2:47

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Jason Tripp entitled, Is God a Hypocrite? This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence.By Thomas Jay Oord

1
Ep. 252: The Politics of Amipotence 5:14

3M ago5:14

5:14

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Bruce Epperly entitled, The Politics of Amipotence. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Bruce is one of 30 authors participating in the ORTLINE25 Open …

1
Ep. 251: The Holy Spirit is Amipotence Manifested 3:10

3M ago3:10

3:10

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Lina Langby entitled, The Holy Spirit is Amipotence Manifested. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Lina will be one of 30 authors participating in the…

1
Judaism is About Love - With Rabbi Shai Held 1:26:13

3M ago1:26:13

1:26:13

This week Rabbi Shai Held joins the podcast to discuss his latest book "Judaism is About Love: Recovering the Heart of Jewish Life". It goes without saying that there are A LOT of misconceptions about Judaism within the Christian tradition. To say it even more bluntly, there are a lot of Anti-Semitic and Anti-Jewish teachings and doctrines plaguing…

1
Will Deconstructing End My Marriage? A Conversation with Keri Ladouceur 1:25:46

3M ago1:25:46

1:25:46

Text us your questions! This episode explores the complexities of spiritual evolution and its impact on marriages and relationships. Our friend Keri Ladouceur shares her wisdom, and we discuss stories of navigating changing faith and the strain it can place on intimate partnerships. We cover how questioning beliefs impacts relationships, emotional …

1
Ep. 250: A Solution to the Problem of Divine Hiddenness 3:42

3M ago3:42

3:42

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Chad Bahl entitled, A Solution to the Problem of Divine Hiddenness. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Chad will be one of 30 authors participating in…

1
Radical Theology, Psycho Analysis, and Religionless Religion: 20ish Q's - With Peter Rollins 1:41:07

3M ago1:41:07

1:41:07

This week I was joined by Peter Rollins to play another round of 20ish Q's. We cover A LOT of ground in this fan-favorite episode format... The Death of God, Pyro Theology, Psycho Analysis, Radical Theology, Religionless Religion, Politics, Leprechauns, and more! Enjoy. RESOURCES: PeterRollins.Com Join the Patreon. *A special thanks to Josh Gilbert…

1
Ep. 249: Amipotence in the Wesleyan Tradition 3:21

3M ago3:21

3:21

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Steve Harper entitled, Amipotence in the Wesleyan Tradition. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Steve Harper will be one of 30 authors participating i…

1
Is There Purpose in the Universe? - With Philip Goff 1:08:46

3M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

This week I had the privilege of sitting down with Philosopher Dr. Philip Goff to discuss his most recent book, "Why?: The Purpose of the Universe". We took a deep dive into his work asking questions like, "Does science point towards purpose?", "Does consciousness point toward purpose?", and "Can there be inherent purpose without a God concept?". T…

1
Ep. 248: Kelly James Clark and The Power of Love 4:15

3M ago4:15

4:15

In this episode Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Kelly James Clark entitled, The Power of Love. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 1 of a 2 volume work which interacts further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Kelly will be one of 30 authors participating in the upcoming ORT…

1
When Seeking Jesus Drives You Out of the Church: Interview with Scot McKnight & Tommy Preson Phillips 1:12:43

3M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

Text us your questions! Faith deconstruction has become a defining trend in American Christianity, and disagreement persists about what’s driving it. In this episode, we talk with Scot McKnight and Tommy Preson Phillips about their book Invisible Jesus, which considers why so many Christians are critically re-examining their faith. Rather than trea…

1
Ep. 247: Suffering and the Amipotent God 3:07

3M ago3:07

3:07

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Catherine Keller entitled, Suffering and the Amipotent God. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Dr. Keller will be one of 30 authors participating in t…

1
Womanish Theology - With Khristi Adams 1:07:44

3M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

This week I had the privilege of being joined by Khristi Adams to talk about her new book "Womanish Theology: Discovering God Through the Lens of Black Girlhood". Khristi reflects on her experiences growing up as a black girl and invites us into the experience of black girls to learn from a their perspective. We take a deep dive into Khristi's book…

1
Ep. 246: Good Lord Willing 2:37

3M ago2:37

2:37

In this episode Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Melissa Owens Stewart entitled, Good Lord Willing. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 1 of a 2 volume work co-edited by Melissa which interacts further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Melissa will be one of many panelists in…

1
Ep. 245: What the World Needs Now...Amipotence 2:50

4M ago2:50

2:50

In this episode Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Deanna Young entitled, What the World Needs Now...Amipotence. This essay is one of many compiled in volume 2 of a 2 volume work interacting further with the ideas of amipotence in Dr. Oord's book, The Death of Omnipotence and Birth of Amipotence. Deanna Young will be one of approximately 30 authors p…

1
Process Islam - With Jared Morningstar 1:26:27

4M ago1:26:27

1:26:27

This week my friend Jared Morningstar joined me to continue my series exploring Process-Relational thought across various religious traditions. Jared is a practicing Muslim and we had a great conversation exploring how Process has influenced his understanding of Islam, and how Islam has impacted his understanding of Process thought. Enjoy! RESOURCE…

1
Ep. 244: ORTCON25 1:48

4M ago1:48

1:48

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses and extends an open invitation to attend ORTCON25. Held at the beautiful Grand Targhee Resort in the Grand Teton mountains of Wyoming, ORTCON25 is an in-person conference exploring topics in Open and Relational Theology. (June 30 - July 4, 2025) ORTCON25 brings together scholars, leaders, pastors, and activists. …

1
Nicholas Ma on Division, Vulnerability, and Doing What You Can 1:11:46

4M ago1:11:46

1:11:46

Text us your questions! This is one of our favorite interviews we've ever done. Nicholas Ma (son of famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma) is a filmmaker best known for producing the 2018 documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? about Fred Rogers. We speak with him about his latest documentary Leap of Faith, which follows a group of Christian pastors from diverse so…

1
Deweaponizing the Bible and Our Theology - With Ryan Canty 1:37:45

4M ago1:37:45

1:37:45

This week on the podcast I am joined by my friend Ryan Canty to talk about his new book, "Deweaponize: Re-examining how we read the Bible in pursuit of a more Christlike interpretation". We take a deep dive into this wonderfully accessible book that covers a wide range of important topics. What does it look like to allow Jesus to inform how we thin…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Open And Relational Theology Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen