Proponents of Open and Relational Theology — or ORT — affirm that, through relationship, God affects people, and people affect God, according to a video produced by theologian and author Thomas Jay Oord. ORT stresses God suffers with people and feels their pain, prayer influences God, people’s choices make a difference to God, God gives and receives love, and people should love God, others, themselves and creation.
The theology also proposes God and creation move into an “open future.” That means God does not predetermine life, so people are not predestined and have genuine freedom and choice. Although God has plans, even God does not know with certainty everything that will happen. And people should cooperate with God as they move into the future.
While ORT “fits the main themes, stories and wisdom of Scripture,” it also connects with developments in social and natural sciences, and it aligns with insights of artists, innovators and philosophers, the video says. Consequently, “open and relational thinkers address personal, social, ecological, spiritual, scientific, health and everyday life issues.”
“This isn’t just a church event. It’s a conversation our world desperately needs.”
Ord will headline “Speaking to a Modern World: A Conference on Open and Relational Theology” Sept. 5-7 at Park Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C.
“We believe this theology speaks to a world that is increasingly skeptical of traditional religion, and we want to offer something real, loving and intellectually honest,” noted Russ Dean, co-pastor of Park Road Baptist Church. “This isn’t just a church event. It’s a conversation our world desperately needs.”
Oord will deliver the conference’s keynote address on Saturday, as well as a companion presentation on Sunday morning before preaching during the church’s 11 a.m. worship service.
Oord made national news in the summer of 2024, when the Church of the Nazarene expelled him from membership in his home denomination. The expulsion occurred shortly after a church trial convicted him of heresy for holding pro-LGBTQ beliefs.
The conference will feature morning and afternoon breakout sessions Sept. 5 and morning breakout sessions Sept 6., featuring 18 presenters.
Breakout themes include:
- Speaking through prayer — embodying divine love and compassion in action
- Speaking through personal stories — exploring the narratives that shape people
- Speaking to Parents — parenting with spiritual depth and relational wisdom
- Speaking to darkness — making meaning in times of loss and grief
- Speaking truth to power — faith-based responses to injustice and division
The conference also will feature participation in an off-site live presentation of the “Homebrewed Christianity” podcast, featuring the program’s host, Tripp Fuller.
To register, click here, before the Aug. 31 deadline.