In this episode of The Sacred Everywhere, Dr. Sheri talks with Dr. Thomas Jay Oord, an open and relational theologian, author, public speaker, and nature photographer. Listen to the full episode here: https://sherikling.substack.com/p/tom-oord-full In the first half, they talk about Tom’s recent book, A Systematic Theology of Love, Tom’s journey to becoming a process and open & relational theologian, and what it means to center our theological perspectives on God on love as essential. In the second half of the full episode (available to paid subscribers on Substack), Sheri and Tom talk about God’s power when it comes to evil and suffering as well as Tom’s costly advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people. The Sacred Everywhere is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. * * Did this resonate with you? Download Dr. Sheri’s FREE guide, “Awakening to the Sacred,” here: http://subscribepage.io/jaCwFD * * * * * * * Thomas Jay Oord, Ph.D., is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology and doctoral students at Northwind Theological Seminary. He is an award-winning author and has written or edited more than fifty books. A gifted speaker, Oord lectures at universities, conferences, churches, and institutions. He is known for his contributions to research on love, science and religion, open and relational theology, the problem of suffering, and advocacy for the full inclusion of queer people. Books: A Systematic Theology of Love: Volume 1: God and Creation https://www.amazon.com/dp/1968136509 God Can’t: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils https://www.amazon.com/God-Cant-Believe-after-Tragedy/dp/1948609126/ Website: thomasjayoord.com Center for Open & Relational Theology: https://c4ort.com/ Northwind Seminar Doctor of Theology specializing in open & relational theology: https://www.northwindseminary.org/cort-2024 ORTCON https://c4ort.com/ortcon/ **NOTE: All videos, podcasts, services and products are for education, spiritual growth, and entertainment purposes only and are not intended to replace the work of medical, legal, or psychological professionals. * * * * * * * This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sherikling.substack.com/subscribe