Best Open And Relational Theology Podcasts (2025)

1
Process Theology, Punk Rock, and Bad Tattoos: 20ish Q's - With Ryan Remington 1:40:24

1h ago1:40:24

1:40:24

This week I am back with another edition of 20ish Q's with my friend Ryan Remington. I met Ryan on the social medias and it turns out we have a lot in common! He seemed like a good fit for 20ish Q's and he didn't disappoint! Enjoy! RESOURCES: Peelakiiyankwi: Processing Liberation Through an Indigenous American Lens (Book) Rescuing the Gospel From t…

1
Ep. 271: A Good God and an All-Powerful God are Mutually Exclusive 2:26

11h ago2:26

2:26

In this episode, Dr. Oord re-engages with a new book from C.S. Pearce and Philip Clayton entitled, Science and the Sacred: Beyond the Gods in Our Image. In this beautifully written book, an atheist (Pearce) and a theist (Clayton) explore the intersection points of science and the Sacred. Despite their differences, both authors find themselves in ag…

1
Sexual Ethics, Queer Theology, & Responding to Critics: Matthew Vines (Part 2) 1:23:11

3d ago1:23:11

1:23:11

Text us your questions! Matthew Vines returns to discuss how the revised edition of his book addresses critiques from prominent theologians, the distinction between affirming theology and queer theology, and the possibility of affirming, orthodox Christianity. Matthew unpacks the scholarly consensus that modern sexual orientation concepts simply di…

1
#161 – 6 Genesis Stories Read Politically 40:51

6d ago40:51

40:51

What if the stories at the end of Genesis weren’t just family drama—but political storytelling? In this episode, Nate and Shelby revisit six key moments from Genesis 27 to 50—including Jacob stealing Esau’s blessing, Dinah and Shechem, Judah and Tamar, and Joseph’s rise in Egypt—to explore how these stories may have been written to explain Israel’s…

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Climate Change and the Politics of Denial - With Tad DeLay 1:13:32

6d ago1:13:32

1:13:32

This week I was joined philosopher Dr. Tad Delay to discuss his book "Future of Denial: The Ideologies of Climate Change". We look at the intersections of climate change and philosophy, and the various forms of denial surrounding climate issues. We explore how Capitalism continues to drive and recreate the denial of the Climate Criss and look into …

1
Ep. 270: Science and the Sacred 2:33

7d ago2:33

2:33

In this episode Dr. Oord engages with a new book from C.S. Pearce and Philip Clayton entitled, Science and the Sacred: Beyond the Gods in Our Image. In this beautifully written book, an atheist (Pearce) and a theist (Clayton) explore the intersection points of science and the Sacred. Honestly acknowledging their differences, they discover unexpecte…

1
The Future of Religion: Live From Theology Beer Camp - With Ilia Delio, Pete Enns, & Sarey Martin Concepcion 1:16:35

11d ago1:16:35

1:16:35

Happy Friday! Here is a special bonus episode recorded live from Theology Beer Camp. Ilia Delio offers a fantastic Key-Note on the future of religion followed by a response from Pete Enns. To close things out there is a panel discussion between Ilia, Pete, Sarey Martin Concepcion, and Josh Patterson. Enjoy! THEOLOGY BEER CAMP 2025: Like what you he…

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Bridging the Gap Between Theism & Atheism - With Philip Clayton 1:32:26

13d ago1:32:26

1:32:26

This week on the (Re)thinking Faith Podcast, host Josh Patterson welcomes back Dr. Philip Clayton to discuss his new book, "Science and the Sacred", which emerges from a dialogue between theist and non-theist perspectives. They explore the origins of the book, the importance of bridging the atheism-theism divide, and the role of pluralism in foster…

1
Ep. 269: God and the Pandemic 3:22

14d ago3:22

3:22

In this episode Dr. Oord engages with a new book from Clifford Chalmers Cain entitled, God, Pandemics and the Holocaust. In the book, Cain honestly explores conceptions of God no longer satisfactory to human experience, and understandings of God that can make sense in a world that is both wonderful and woeful.…

1
Ep. 268: Amipotence and Weak Theology 3:23

18d ago3:23

3:23

In this episode, Dr. Oord discusses an essay from Josh Patterson entitled, Amipotence (Perhaps) in which he engages with the work of John Caputo. 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. Josh will also be a…

1
Bonus: Did Jesus Talk About Hell? 12:25

20d ago12:25

12:25

Listen to the FULL episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/128901088 Listeners sent us 49 pages of questions and comments—and in this bonus episode, we tackle some of the best. We explore whether Paul’s theology rewrote the faith, how James and Paul define “salvation” differently, and why First Timothy might not even be Pauline. We also dive in…

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(Re)constructing a Meaningful Spirituality - With Dana Hicks 1:41:37

20d ago1:41:37

1:41:37

This week, Dana Hicks joins the podcast to talk about his most recent book, "The Quest for Thin Places: How to Find Spirituality After Deconstruction". In this conversation we walk through a cyclical understanding of deconstruction. Dana shares helpful stories along the way and we have a great time. Enjoy! RESOURCES: The Quest for Thin Places: How …

1
Ep. 267: Authoritative vs. Nurturant 4:44

21d ago4:44

4:44

What drives some people to embrace high handed leaders and Christian Nationalism while other people don't? This is the question explored in this episode where Dr. Oord shares an excerpt from the book he co-authored with Tripp Fuller entitled God After Deconstruction. In a chapter on Christian Nationalism Oord and Fuller engage with the work of Dr. …

1
#160 – 5 Ways to Follow Jesus Without Paul 54:39

27d ago54:39

54:39

→ Download the Practice Christianity Without Paul reflection booklet here (https://www.patreon.com/posts/jesus-faith-and-128319083) → Access the Paul-Free Church Statement of Faith (https://www.patreon.com/posts/church-statement-128321301) What does it mean to be a Christian without Paul? In this series finale, we walk through five alternate paths …

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

27d 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

28d 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…

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

29d 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 …

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Ep. 265: Uncontrolled Worship 2:55

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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…

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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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…

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

2M 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
Bonus: Paul’s Shadow on Jesus 12:32

2M ago12:32

12:32

This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes. To get the full bonus episode (37 minutes long), click here. How did Paul’s teachings overshadow James’s vision for Christianity? Could a Paul-free faith have survived as a Jewish sect? Does the Didache reveal a Christianity untouched by Paul? Why do Paul’s words sometimes feel at odds with Jesus’? We…

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

2M 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

2M 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…

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

2M 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
#159 – Paul Made Christianity 1:04:27

2M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

Bonus ep 1 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-what-is-123011688 Bonus ep 2 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-did-paul-125106095 Why does Paul’s voice dominate the New Testament? How did his letters become so central to Christian theology, and what happens when we begin to question that authority? Are all the Pauline epistles actually written…

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Ep. 261: Pediatrics and Amipotence 3:35

2M 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
Bonus: Did Paul Get the Gospel Wrong? 11:37

2M ago11:37

11:37

This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes. To get the full bonus episode (43 minutes long), click here. Did Paul’s vision of Jesus redefine faith, or did James’ focus on works hold the truth? In this bonus episode, we tackle your burning questions about faith vs. works, Paul’s outsized role in Christianity, and what might have been if the Jesu…

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

2M 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…

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Ep. 260: Whitehead and Teilhard 3:43

2M 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

2M 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…

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

2M 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!…

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

2M 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
#158 – Why Paul's Churches Won Early Christianity 49:40

2M ago49:40

49:40

What if Paul’s vision of Christ reshaped Christianity in ways Jesus’ own brother, James, never intended? In this episode, we explore the intense clash between Paul’s Christ movement and the Jesus movement, led by James in Jerusalem, as they battled over the faith’s direction. Paul’s independent gospel, born from a divine encounter, drove him to spr…

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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/…

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Ep. 257: ORTCON25 2:16

3M 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 …

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

3M 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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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#157 – James vs. Paul: The Battle in Early Christianity History 49:44

3M ago49:44

49:44

(Part 1 here) Who should guide your faith—James, Jesus’ brother, or Paul, the visionary apostle? We dive into early Christianity history to explore a battle of beliefs. James rooted his leadership in the Jewish roots of Christianity, blending faith with works. Paul preached faith alone, shaping a global faith. We uncover their clash—faith and works…

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Ep. 256: The Prevenience of Amipotence 3:44

3M 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.…

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

3M 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…

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Ep. 255: Love Without Qualification 4:02

3M 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

3M 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…

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

3M 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

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

3M 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…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Open And Relational Theology Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen