Thomas Jay Oord, a theologian, is coming to OCU Sep. 18 to speak to students about how God is not actually in control.
Oord has done a lot of work with religion and theology and wrote over 25 books, was a professor for many years and now works at a center for open relational theology.
Oord said many people who suffer think God has wished this upon them, when from his perspective, God didn’t cause any pain or suffering, he just couldn’t stop it.
Oord wrote a book three years ago titled, “The Uncontrolling Love of God” where he goes in depth on his perspective on God’s role in human suffering.
Oord said, “The message that is at the heart of things is that God is not actually in control.”
Oord said he has touched many people with his perspective and story.
“I get tons and tons of notes from people, and a lot of those notes are from folks who underwent some horrific thing” said Oord. “I am the first one who has said to a lot of people God isn’t to blame because God couldn’t have stopped it.”
These letters from people who have read Oord’s book display the impact the message has on readers. Oord said many people have never looked at this topic from this perspective.
“Most people say they are following God’s plan” said Oord.
Oord said before reading his book, many people had never thought about this topic in this way, and this is the message he is hoping to get to OCU students.
Allie McMurry, a religion sophomore, said she doesn’t know much about Oord, but she does know a little bit about what he’s speaking about regarding theology.
“I think his view on theology nicely represents the views that the School of Religion at OCU has on theology” said McMurry.
Oord will share his story and perspective on religion in the Great Hall Sep. 18 from 2:30 to 3:45.
Thanks for this story and announcement about the lecture!