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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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9 Comments

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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Love, Exemplars, and Brain Structure

Love is primary for any adequate ethic. But can the human brain – especially the brains of those who love often and well – tell us anything about love?

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Polkinghorne’s Twin Concerns

A vegetarian butcher. That’s the combination some people think analogous to being both a scientist and theologian.

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22 Comments

Christian and Scientific Fundamentalism

I spend a great deal of time engaging fundamentalists. And I’ve learned a few lessons over the years.

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Creatio ex Creatione a Natura Amoris: A new doctrine of creation

I previously identified some problems inherent in creatio ex nihilo. I believe a new doctrine of creation, God’s creating out of creation with a nature of love (creatio ex creation a natura amoris), is more adequate for Christians.

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Creatio Ex Nihilo: The Problem

I believe God created the heavens, the earth, and every living thing. But I think Christians should reject the idea that God created the universe from absolutely nothing.

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A Theologian Evaluates Intelligent Design: Part 3 of 3

In my past two installments, I noted five things I like about Intelligent Design and five things I don’t. I conclude with my final (and apparently unique) criticism of ID.

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A Theologian Evaluates Intelligent Design: Part 2 of 3

Having pointed out five things I like about Intelligent Design, I turn now to five things I don’t like. 

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A Theologian Evaluates Intelligent Design: Part 1 of 3

I’ve been thinking and reading about the Intelligent Design (ID) movement and its ideas for some time.  I’m ready to put my evaluation in writing.

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An Evangelical View of Science

At the recent American Academy of Religion meeting, I was asked to present a scholarly overview of Evangelical theology and science. I assumed the task would be easy. I was wrong.

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Verisimilitudinous Polkinghorne

A premiere scholar of science and theology, John Polkinghorne, turns eighty years old next October. More than almost anyone, Polkinghorne has sought truth in both science and theology.

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6 Comments

Evangelicals Navigating Science

Prominent Evangelical Christians are working together to reconcile apparent differences between science and religion. A recent workshop of such Christians in which I participated agreed to the following statement:

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Morals for Animals

Given the many celebrations of Charles Darwin's life and work that are occurring this year, I decided to reread his most famous books. I especially like The Descent of Man. What Darwin says about morals in that book is truly provocative.

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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