Register Now for the Online Class!
Are you navigating the challenging landscape of faith deconstruction, seeking a path that affirms your deepest intuitions and values?
Join renowned theologians Dr. Thomas Jay Oord and Dr. Tripp Fuller for a transformative online class, "God After Deconstruction." This six-week journey is designed to embrace the uncertainty, explore profound topics, and offer a constructive, hope-filled vision of God grounded in open and relational theology. In this course, we aim to foster a thoughtful and inclusive space where participants can explore a variety of topics crucial to the journey of reconstructing their spiritual beliefs.
10 LECTURES - ONE ON EACH THEME
Pre-recorded videos now available on the Class Resource Page!
LIVE SESSIONS
Tuesday, April 2nd (9am PT / 12noon ET)
Tuesday, April 9th (9am PT / 12noon ET)
Thursday, April 18th (6pm PT / 9pm ET)
Tuesday, April 23rd (9am PT / 12noon ET)
Tuesday, April 30th (9am PT / 12noon ET)
ASYNCHRONOUS CLASS: You can participate fully without being present at any specific time. Replays are available on the Class Resource Page.
COST: A course like this is typically offered for $125 or more, but we invite you to contribute whatever you can to help make this possible for everyone!
PRESENTED BY
Homebrewed Christianity and Center for Open and Relational Theology are producing the God After Deconstruction class and live events.
LIVE IN-PERSON EVENTS
PERSUADE: OPEN, RELATIONAL, AND PROCESS PREACHING
April 11-12, 2024
St. Andrew UMC (Highlands Ranch, CO)
GOD AFTER DECONSTRUCTION
April 12-13, 2024
St. Andrew UMC (Highlands Ranch, CO)
WHAT TO EXPECT
Five Live-Stream Sessions With Experts
- Engage in five live-stream sessions where Dr. Oord and Dr. Fuller will guide you through each theme of deconstruction with expertise, empathy, and insight.
- Witness dynamic conversations that affirm the validity of your intuitions while providing critical and constructive perspectives.
Lectures on Each Theme
- Delve into in-depth lectures on the ten crucial themes of deconstruction, presented by experts with a passion for open and relational theology.
- Gain a profound understanding of each topic, combining academic rigor with practical insights for your spiritual journey.
Question & Answer Time
- Interact directly with Dr. Oord and Dr. Fuller during dedicated Q&A sessions.
- Receive personalized responses to your questions, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the course material.
Online Community
- Join a supportive and vibrant online community, connecting with fellow participants who share similar experiences and questions.
- Foster meaningful relationships, share insights, and grow together in a space that values diverse perspectives.
Weekly Readings
- Enhance your understanding with curated weekly readings that complement the live sessions and lectures.
- Immerse yourself in thought-provoking materials that contribute to a well-rounded exploration of faith, theology, and reconstruction.
WHY JOIN THE CLASS?
- AFFIRMATION
Validate your intuition and experiences with a course designed to affirm the diverse paths of deconstruction. - CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Receive critical insights from leading theologians on each theme, encouraging thoughtful reflection. - CONSTRUCTIVE VISION
Discover a hope-filled vision of God grounded in open and relational theology, offering a path to reconstruction.
CLASS THEMES
Join us on this exploration of faith, doubt, and reconstruction as we engage with these pressing issues in a spirit of openness, respect, and intellectual curiosity. Together, let's reimagine what "God After Deconstruction" looks like for each of us.
Certainty: Embracing the Adventure
- Explore the common experience of losing certainty during the deconstruction process.
- Learn to live a life adventure without the need for absolute certainty.
Scripture: Navigating Human Wisdom and Flaws
- Acknowledge the errors and inconsistencies in the Bible.
- Understand the Bible as a human-written document with both wisdom and problematic perspectives.
Evil: Rethinking God's Role
- Address the rejection of God due to perceived failures in protection and rescue.
- Challenge the notion of an omnipotent God while affirming a God of love.
Church Abuse: Unraveling the Connection
- Examine instances of abuse in the name of God within religious communities.
- Reconsider the concept of an uncontrolling God in the face of church-related abuse.
Christian Nationalism: Prioritizing Love over Power
- Analyze the intersection of faith and politics, particularly in the context of Christian nationalism.
- Advocate for justice and challenge the prioritization of power over love.
Evolution: Bridging Faith and Science
- Explore the tension between certain theological beliefs and scientific ideas, particularly in the context of evolution.
- Emphasize the compatibility of faith and science as allies in the search for truth.
Sex and Gender: Affirming Diversity and Equality
- Address unhealthy views of women and queer individuals that contribute to deconstruction.
- Affirm the worth and equality of all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Religious Pluralism: Embracing Diversity
- Discuss the shift away from exclusivism and the importance of embracing religious diversity.
- Affirm the wisdom found in multiple religious traditions while maintaining a preference for Christianity.
Climate Crisis: Integrating Faith and Environmental Ethics
- Explore the impact of faith communities' responses to the climate crisis on individuals' deconstruction.
- Emphasize ethical and theological considerations in addressing the urgent issue of climate change.
Purpose: Finding Meaning Beyond Traditional Constructs
- Reflect on the search for purpose in the aftermath of deconstruction.
- Encourage participants to redefine and discover new meanings in their spiritual journey.
MEET THE HOSTS
Dr. Tripp Fuller
Luther Theological Seminary
Tripp recently moved back to North Carolina and started as Visiting Professor of Theology at Luther Theological Seminary after three years as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Theology & Science at the University of Edinburgh. He recently released Divine Self-Investment: a Constructive Open and Relational Christology, the first book in the Studies in Open and Relational Theology series. For over 15 years Tripp has been doing the Homebrewed Christianity podcast (think on-demand internet radio) where he interviews different scholars about their work so you can get nerdy in traffic, on the treadmill, or doing the dishes. Last year it had over 4 million downloads. It also inspired a book series with Fortress Press called the Homebrewed Christianity Guides to... topics like God, Jesus, Spirit, Church History, etc. Tripp is a very committed and (some of his friends think overly) engaged Lakers fan and takes Star Wars and Lord of the Rings very seriously.
Dr. Thomas Jay Oord
Northwind Theological Seminary
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 thirty 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 the implications of freedom for transformational relationships. Website: www.thomasjayoord.com
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
"As a minister these classes and conversations have enriched how I read and engage with our sacred texts, as well as for the community I help shepherd. As an individual person of faith I'm always amazed at the resources and friends Tripp helps curate and connect with on a deeper and authentic level."
Will Rose - Parish Pastor, Holy Trinity Lutheran and Lutheran Campus Ministry (Chapel Hill, NC)
“Grad-school level classes with incredible teachers in a fun, accessible and engaging online experience for even an exhausted working pastor/parent to participate in and enjoy!”
Rachel Haxtema - Associate Pastor, Keystone UCC (Seattle, WA)
“I’ve taken several Homebrewed classes over the years, from a couple of Black theology classes, to Kierkegaard to Bonhoeffer, to Tolkien and many others I’ve heard episodes from. From the episodes and the readings I’ve learned things I wouldn’t have otherwise had access to, from some of my favorite scholars or about some of my favorite topics. From some of the readings I’ve bought books I wouldn’t have otherwise read, and further deepened what I was able to think with. It’s been a treasure to be part of them.”
Jonathan Stegall - faith-rooted organizer, abolitionist, designer, and coder
“Homebrewed Christianity is, in my opinion, the best open and interactive community I’ve ever been apart of. I’ve learned so much from people who are not only brilliant but kind and fun."
Ednaldo Elme - the drummer who doesn’t tell his minister what he’s really thinking
“HBC classes have been an absolute lifeline for allowing me to have continuing education outside of the adult Sunday School setting. Many people have limited exposure to the entire spectrum of Christianity as well as other world religions in the church setting, and these classes are a wonderful resource in that regard. Also, as someone who is getting a theology degree, the HBC classes have provided a super helpful avenue for learning."
John Pohl, MD - Pediatric Surgeon (University of Utah)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does the class meet?
The class is asynchronous and you can participate fully without being present at any specific time. Replays will be available on the Class Resource Page.
LIVE SESSIONS:
Tuesday, April 2nd (9am PT / 12noon ET)
Tuesday, April 9th (9am PT / 12noon ET)
Tuesday, April 18th (6pm PT / 9pm ET)
Tuesday, April 23rd (9am PT / 12noon ET)
Tuesday, April 30th (9am PT / 12noon ET)
How do I get access to the class content?
The complete class content collection will be available on the password protected resource page. The downloadable audio and video of each session will be uploaded there and available for at least a year.
What happens after I sign up?
The email you enter when signing up will receive an email from classinfo[at]homebrewedchristianity[dot]com. The email will include access to the resource page, details on how to join the class Facebook group, and more.
Do I have to have Facebook?
No. Facebook is not required to participate, but an additional way to connect with other class members and interact throughout the class.
Who is producing this course?
Homebrewed Christianity and Center for Open and Relational Theology are producing the God After Deconstruction class and live events.