The Open & Relational Theology Reading Group
Looking to think theologically with some of the best theologians around? Want to find a group of other theology nerds? Then this reading group is for you.
It will be 6 weeks, with 6 readings, from 6 thinkers, engaged in 6 video sessions, and a private Facebook Group to keep the conversation going. It all starts in March, but you will get all the archived sessions if you join after.
On top of that it is pay-what-you-want, so all you need to join is an internet connection and a love for theological reflection.
What This Group Has to Offer
The Open & Relational Theology Reading Group will introduce you to 6 different thinkers, 6 wide-ranging topics, and a theological converstaion rooted in openness, relationality and love.
1. THE OPENNESS OF GOD
Divine immutability, impassibility and foreknowledge are overrated for the God of love. Evangelical theologian, Clark Pinnock, says the Bible told him so.
2. THE END OF EVIL
If God isn't all-powerful, then how can we have hope that evil will be defeated and injustice set to right? Process Feminist Theologian, Marjorie Suchocki, loves that question.
3. THE SUFFERING OF GOD
Hebrew Bible Scholar, Terence Fretheim, will help us examine the relationship of God and the World in scripture, focusing on the role of suffering.
4. COSMIC THEOSIS
Keith Ward weaves together the cosmic story of the universe with the Christian story of God's love.
5. DOES GOD DO ANYTHING?
Physicist turned theologian, Sir John Polkinghorne, insists that one can affirm all the conclusions of science and the reality of a God who acts in this world
6. THE COURAGE OF GOD-WITH-US
Karen Baker-Fletcher insists that God is not only present to unjust suffering, but gives a powerful vision of the Triune God from a Womanist perspective
About Tom & Tripp
Tom and Tripp are both professional theologians and philosophers who love the life of the mind and the church. They enjoy reading, teaching, and wrestling with texts. That's why they are launching this group.
You can find out more about Tripp's work here or Tom's significantly more impressive work here.
What's an Open and Relational Theology?
Here are two broad central comittments
God affects creatures in various ways. Instead of being aloof and detached, God is active and involved in relationship with others. God relates to us, and that makes an essential difference..
Creatures affect God in various ways. While God’s nature is unchanging, creatures influence the loving and living Creator of the universe. We relate to God, and creation makes a difference to God.
