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Predestination, Hell, and Eternal Life

My recent book, The Nature of Love, concludes with comments about what theologians call “eschatology.” The eschatology I offer coheres with my Essential Kenosis theology, which I propose in the book’s last chapter.

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Books I’m Reading…

From time to time, friends ask what I’m reading. I rarely start and finish a book in one sitting. I usually dabble, dive and resurface, and drift from one book to another. I read many books simultaneously.

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Biology and the freedom to love

In recent decades, biology has moved to the fore of love research.  The role of evolution, the function of genes, selection pressures, and group interaction play a prominent role in contemporary biological discussions of the possibility and nature of love. 

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Imitate God—Take Risks!

Mission is risky business. It means taking chances and being susceptible to failure. But God seems the biggest risk-taker of all!

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Academy and Congregation

I feel called to speak theologically both to the academy and to congregations. This calling presents unique challenges.

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New Ministry Mag Out!

A new magazine has published its inaugural issue. This denominationally oriented publication is a harbinger of deeper and more creative ministry in the Church of the Nazarene.

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Comparing Bible and Qur’an

Michael Lodahl’s new book, Claiming Abraham: Reading the Bible and the Qur’an Side by Side, is simply an exciting read! His theological interpretation of these sacred texts should help Christians and Muslims identify their theological similarities and differences.

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Love Stinks! and other Love Lyrics

I’ve often thought it would be fun to write a scholarly essay on love using song lyrics.  Music plays such an important part of our lives, and I confess that music has profoundly shaped the way I see the world.

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Hiking and Photographing the Owyhees

In the last five months, I’ve done more hiking than I have in the last 15 years. I find trekking the wilderness inspiring.

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Postmodern and Wesleyan 2

The following is the second half of a lecture on postmodernism and the Wesleyan theological tradition I gave about a year ago. In a previous blog, I proposed five ways in which revisionary postmodernism coheres with Wesleyan theological concerns. In this blog, I propose the final five.

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Extra Mile Love

I challenged my university students to go “the extra mile” this semester to show love.  I was impressed with how they responded!

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Open Theology’s Problem with the Problem of Evil

Open theology offers an impressive theological framework. But Open theology has a problem with the problem of evil.

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Transforming Christian Theology II

I complete my brief review of highlights from Philip Clayton's book. And I propose my own ideas about theology's role in transformation.

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Transforming Christian Theology

Theology shouldn’t play a supporting role in the Christian transformation we need so desperately today. It should play the main role!

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Transformation for the Church

Many of us recognize the need for transformation in our own lives and in the church. We need wise principles to help us respond well to God’s guidance into this transformation.

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The First Emergent Nazarene

I’ve noticed that many who self-identify as emerging or emergent Christians emphasize following Jesus, pursuing Jesus’ way, or living a life that imitates Jesus. I like this emphasis.

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We Don’t Need “Revival!”

I’ve been thinking about the change we most need. This thinking has been exhilarating! I’m wondering, What are fresh ways God might be inviting us to live and promote the abundant life Jesus offers?

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What Would Jesus’ Brain Look Like?      Love, Exemplars, and Brain Structures III

Jesus’ brain must have made a difference in who he was and how he loved. Recent neuroscience offers research and theories that prompt us to think anew about Jesus of Nazareth.

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Love, Exemplars, and Brain Structure II

Exemplars are unique and they don’t become exemplars overnight. They are proof of the old saying, practice makes perfect.

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Evangelical Leaves Over Evolution

Old Testament scholar, Bruce Waltke, left his position teaching at Reformed Theological Seminary. The reason for his leaving: Waltke affirms evolution.

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About this website

You’ve reached the online home of Thomas Jay Oord, a professor, author, and theologian from the Pacific Northwest. Read more