Love Does Not Control

Love Does Not Control PDF Author: Thomas Jay Oord
Publisher: SacraSage Press
ISBN: 1948609878
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 268

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Book Description
That love does not control seems obvious to many people. And yet the temptation to control—often with good motives — is strong. The long-term results of yielding to this temptation damage everyone. Contributors to Love Does Not Control explore uncontrolling love and a vision of God as uncontrolling. They do so from their perspectives as therapists, psychologists, and counselors. Writers ponder what uncontrolling love might mean for human healing. Open and relational theology operates as the underlying framework for most contributors. That theology fits nicely with the belief that love is uncontrolling. Open and relational theology rethinks divine power in light of love and postulates what it might mean for creatures to imitate their Creator’s uncontrolling love. The essays in Love Does Not Control are diverse. Readers may discover some differences of opinion as they move from essay to essay. But contributors share in common the quest to explore what uncontrolling love means for issues in counseling, psychology, and/or therapy. These essays have a power that goes beyond mere theoretical reflection. The ideas in these pages have the capacity to transform our living. And even reading Love Does Not Control has the potential to become an exercise in uncontrolling love!

Love Does Not Control

Love Does Not Control PDF Author: Thomas Jay Oord
Publisher: SacraSage Press
ISBN: 1948609878
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 268

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Book Description
That love does not control seems obvious to many people. And yet the temptation to control—often with good motives — is strong. The long-term results of yielding to this temptation damage everyone. Contributors to Love Does Not Control explore uncontrolling love and a vision of God as uncontrolling. They do so from their perspectives as therapists, psychologists, and counselors. Writers ponder what uncontrolling love might mean for human healing. Open and relational theology operates as the underlying framework for most contributors. That theology fits nicely with the belief that love is uncontrolling. Open and relational theology rethinks divine power in light of love and postulates what it might mean for creatures to imitate their Creator’s uncontrolling love. The essays in Love Does Not Control are diverse. Readers may discover some differences of opinion as they move from essay to essay. But contributors share in common the quest to explore what uncontrolling love means for issues in counseling, psychology, and/or therapy. These essays have a power that goes beyond mere theoretical reflection. The ideas in these pages have the capacity to transform our living. And even reading Love Does Not Control has the potential to become an exercise in uncontrolling love!

God Can't

God Can't PDF Author: Thomas Jay Oord
Publisher: SacraSage Press
ISBN: 1948609134
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 142

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Book Description
Hurting people ask heart-felt questions about God and suffering. Some "answers" they receive appeal to mystery: “God’s ways are not our ways”. Some answers say God allows evil for a greater purpose. Some say evil is God's punishment. The usual answers fail. They don't support the truth that God loves everyone all the time. God Can't gives a believable answer to why a good and powerful God doesn't prevent evil. Author Thomas Jay Oord says God’s love is inherently uncontrolling. God loves everyone and everything, so God can't control anyone or anything. This means God cannot prevent evil singlehandedly. God can’t stop evildoers, whether human, animal, organism, or inanimate objects and forces. In God Can't, Oord gives a plausible reason why some are healed, but many others are not. God always works to heal everyone, but sometimes our bodies, organisms, or other creatures do not cooperate with God's healing work. Or the conditions of creation are not right for the healing God wants to do. Some people think God causes or allows suffering to teach us lessons or build our character. God Can't disagrees. Oord says God squeezes good from the evil God didn’t want in the first place. God uses pain and suffering without willing or even allowing it. Most people think God can overcome evil singlehandedly. In God Can't, Oord says God needs cooperation for love to reign now and later. This leads to a better view of the afterlife called “relentless love.” It rejects traditional ideas of heaven, hell, and annihilation. Relentless love holds to the possibility all creatures and all creation will respond to God’s love. God Can't is written in understandable language. As a world-renown theologian, Thomas Jay Oord brings credibility to the book’s radical ideas. He explains these ideas through true stories, illustrations, and scripture. God Can't is for those who want answers to tragedy, abuse, and other evils that make sense! What They're Saying... “If conventional notions of God make less and less sense to you, you’ll find Thomas Jay Oord’s new book a breath of fresh air. Simply put, “God Can’t” presents an understanding of God that thoughtful, ethical people can believe in.” -- Brian D. McLaren, author of The Great Spiritual Migration "I did not want this book to end. I wish Dr. Oord had written it 100 years ago, or 1000 years ago... To find your understanding of life and your love for God renewed, read this book." -- Dr. Karen Strand Winslow, Ph.D., Biblical and Jewish Studies Professor of Bible, Azusa Pacific University "As a clinical psychologist working with people in trauma, I owe Thomas Jay Oord an enormous debt of gratitude for recasting the so-called problem of evil in terms that are conceptually satisfying, theologically consistent, and pastorally liberating.” -- Dr Roger Bretherton- Principal Lecturer at the University of Lincoln (UK), Chair of the British Association of Christians in Psychology “Victims of trauma sometimes hear theological responses that imply their suffering is somehow “God’s will." A more careful theological reflection on the nature of the power of a God who is love can help. Oord gives us a clear and compelling alternative in this profoundly insightful and admirably concrete and accessible book.” -- Dr. Anna Case-Winters, Professor of Theology at McCormick Theological Seminary “I know of no book that speaks to suffering with the depth of theological sophistication and psychological sensitivity as God Can’t. This book is a rare combination of depth and accessibility, truly written for the wounded. I recommend it to my students, parishioners, and therapy clients.” -- Dr. Brad D. Strawn, Professor of the Integration of Psychology and Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary

Open and Relational Theology

Open and Relational Theology PDF Author: Thomas Jay Oord
Publisher: Sacrasage Press
ISBN: 9781948609395
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 192

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Book Description
Most theologies suck. They're too technical or they describe a God nobody understands. Sometimes the God portrayed sounds like a controlling boyfriend or absentee parent. Rather than woo or persuade, most theology books clobber readers into submission. This book is different. Thomas Jay Oord presents a theology that makes sense. It fits the way we live our lives and matches our deepest intuitions. To the surprise of some, it harmonizes with sacred scripture... at least the good parts. And it promotes a genuinely loving God. Open and relational theology is controversial. Oord and others have lost their jobs because they embrace it. Others have been booted from religious communities or shunned by families and friends. It's that radical! This way of thinking is life-changing - for good - for so many. This theology doesn't suck. People around the world are turning to open and relational theology. It answers our biggest questions about good and evil, purpose and freedom, love and science. "Timely!" - Cody Stauffer & Craig Morton, All That's Holy Podcast "Cosmic!" - Pete Enns & Jared Byas, Bible For Normal People Podcast "Conceptual!" - Seth Price, Can I Say This in Church? Podcast "Inspirited!" - Jay McDaniel, Conversations in Process Podcast "Clear!" -Joe Smith and Drew Dunbar, Crisis of Faith Podcast "Radical!" - Shaleen Kendrick & Holland Fields, Desert Voices Podcast "Prodigious!" - John Williamson, Deconstructionists Podcast "Relieving!" - Joey Monteleone, Dismantle Podcast "Compelling!" - Loren Richmond Jr, Future Christian Podcast "Liberating!" - Melanie Mudge & Gary Alan Taylor, Holy Heretics Podcast "Magnificent!" - Tripp Fuller, Homebrewed Christianity Podcast "Enlivening!" - Michael Frost, In the Shift Podcast "Tantalizing!" - Jim Stump, Language of God Podcast "Captivating!" - Jason Elam, Messy Spirituality Podcast "Thought-Provoking!" - Gabriel Gordon, Misfits Theology Podcast "Interrogating!" - Todd Littleton, Patheological Podcast "Exceptional!" - Keith Giles, Peace Catalyst Podcast "Zesty!" - Mason Mennenga, A People's Theology Podcast "Tangible!" - Hayden Bruce, Pragmatic Christian Podcast "Clarifying!" - Mary-Anne & Andre Rabe, Question Your Answers Podcast "Trailblazing!" - Todd R. Vick, Reconstruction Rebel Podcast "Peace-Bringing!" - Chris Harman, Redrawing the Bath Podcast "Stimulating!" - Greg Boyd and Dan Kent, ReKnew Podcast "Punchy!" - Ryan T. Mullins, Reluctant Theologian Podcast "Exciting!" - Josh Patterson & Marty Fredrick, (Re)thinking Faith Podcast "A Gift!" - Beth Hayward, Souls in Soles Podcast "Inviting!" - Kurt Willems, Theology Curator Podcast "Accessible!" - Dustin Kensrue, Thrice & Carry the Fire Podcast "R-/evolutionary!" - Tim Victor, Urban Mystic Podcast "User-Friendly!" - Glenn Siepert, What If? Podcast "Reinvigorating!" - Jon Steingard, Wonder & Mystery of Being Podcast

Pluriform Love

Pluriform Love PDF Author: Thomas Jay Oord
Publisher: SacraSage Press
ISBN: 1948609568
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 235

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Book Description
"A masterpiece from the preeminent theologian of love!" A strong case can be made that love is the core of Christian faith. And yet Christians often fail to give love center stage in biblical studies and theology. And most fail to explain what they mean by love. Why is this? Thomas Jay Oord explores this question and offers ground-breaking answers. Oord addresses leading Christian thinkers today and of yesteryear. He explains biblical forms of love, such as agape, philia, hesed, and ahavah. We should understand love’s meaning as uniform, he says, but its expressions are pluriform. Widely regarded as the world's foremost theologian of love, Thomas Jay Oord tackles our biggest puzzles about the nature and meaning of love, divine and creaturely. His proposals are novel. They align with love described in scripture and expressed in everyday experience. Oord also provides radical and yet persuasive answers to questions about evil, hell, the Big Bang, divine violence, divine abandonment, and more. Pluriform Love changes the landscape of Christian love studies. ... What they're saying... “Thomas Jay Oord is the first to systematically clarify a variety of types of love and show that all are characteristic of God. This is an original contribution to theology. Though a complex task, Oord writes in an accessible and attractive way.” John B. Cobb, Jr., Cobb Institute, Author of Salvation: Jesus’s Mission and Ours “Christian theology in the years to come will need a facelift—a true restoration of the biblical witness to the centrality of God’s love. If we wish to help make the faith truly relatable to our world today, Oord’s clear, compassionate, and compelling voice is one we will be thankful for.” Peter Enns, Eastern University and Co-host of The Bible for Normal People “Thomas Jay Oord adds to his proposals on open and relational theology, developing a theology of love which is both uniform in meaning and pluriform according to situation and recipients. The volume is indispensable for those researching the nature of love.” Paul Fiddes, University of Oxford “The glowing multiform forcefield of love embraces every sentence of Pluriform Love. Free of sentimentality and pretense, refusing to pit eros and agape against each other, it unfolds a full-scale theology. This amorous vision will attract a wide readership.” Catherine Keller, Drew University, Author of Facing Apocalypse "Thomas Oord is a global leader exploring the primacy of love within Christian thought and practice. In this book, he presents a theology of love in a loving way. When he grapples with the Scriptures, he shows an attitude of fairness. His writing style combines scholarly depth with accessible simplicity. In the end, Oord makes a radical claim: much of traditional Christian theology cannot take love as seriously as it must. Love must revolutionize Christian theology, and Oord explains how.” Brian D. McLaren, Author of Do I Stay Christian? “This is a rigorous, provocative, creative, and very readable account of the meaning of love, especially divine love. It’s a very important contribution to theological thought on this central topic.” Keith Ward, University of Oxford ...

The Uncontrolling Love of God

The Uncontrolling Love of God PDF Author: Thomas Jay Oord
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 0830899014
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 233

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Book Description
Rarely does a new theological position emerge to account well for life in the world, including not only goodness and beauty but also tragedy and randomness. Drawing from Scripture, science, philosophy and various theological traditions, Thomas Jay Oord offers a novel theology of providence—essential kenosis—that emphasizes God's inherently noncoercive love in relation to creation.

What to Do When He Says, I Don't Love You Anymore

What to Do When He Says, I Don't Love You Anymore PDF Author: David Clarke
Publisher: HarperChristian + ORM
ISBN: 1418579793
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
Discarding popular Christian advice to use romance and sweetness to draw a wandering spouse back into a marriage, Dr. David Clarke lays out a tough-love action plan for abused and betrayed spouses to rebuild their marriages through proven steps that will restore self-confidence one step at a time. "I don't love you anymore." These simple words have the power to send the listener into shock, denial, and desperation. The obvious response is to ask oneself, "What can I do to win my partner back?" In this classic book, Christian psychologist Dr. David Clarke provides just the battle plan needed. Contrary to what many relationship "experts" recommend—weak, passive plans that involve begging or romancing a spouse back—Clarke offers an approach that he calls guerilla love, which essentially turns the tables on the wandering spouse. Drawing healthy boundaries and restoring your self-esteem Five things your spouse really means when saying, "I don't love you anymore" The most popular "exit lies" and how to see through them Classic symptoms of a person who is having an affair Learning when it’s time to walk away This book will remind you that you are worthy of love, that you are not a doormat, and that you are a prize. Dr. Clarke will empower and equip you to make the best and most God-honoring attempt at saving your marriage.

Liking the Child You Love

Liking the Child You Love PDF Author: Jeffrey Bernstein
Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
ISBN: 073821261X
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
How to recognize and cope with Parent Frustration Syndrome (PFS): negative thoughts and feelings about your children"

Codependent No More

Codependent No More PDF Author: Melody Beattie
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1592857922
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 155

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Book Description
In a crisis, it's easy to revert to old patterns. Caring for your well-being during the coronavirus pandemic includes maintaining healthy boundaries and saying no to unhealthy relationships. The healing touchstone of millions, this modern classic by one of America's best-loved and most inspirational authors holds the key to understanding codependency and to unlocking its stultifying hold on your life. Is someone else's problem your problem? If, like so many others, you've lost sight of your own life in the drama of tending to someone else's, you may be codependent--and you may find yourself in this book--Codependent No More. The healing touchstone of millions, this modern classic by one of America's best-loved and most inspirational authors holds the key to understanding codependency and to unlocking its stultifying hold on your life. With instructive life stories, personal reflections, exercises, and self-tests, Codependent No More is a simple, straightforward, readable map of the perplexing world of codependency--charting the path to freedom and a lifetime of healing, hope, and happiness. Melody Beattie is the author of Beyond Codependency, The Language of Letting Go, Stop Being Mean to Yourself, The Codependent No More Workbook and Playing It by Heart.

Teaching with Love & Logic

Teaching with Love & Logic PDF Author: Jim Fay
Publisher: Love & Logic Press
ISBN: 9780944634295
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 399

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Book Description
Presents techniques for teaching based on the "Love and Logic" philosophy of working with children.

Love and Respect in the Family

Love and Respect in the Family PDF Author: Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 0849965225
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 296

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Book Description
The secret to parenting success is out! Children need love, parents need respect. It's as simple and complex as that. Bestselling author Dr. Emerson Eggerichs has studied family dynamics for more than 30 years, earning a Ph.D. in Child and Family Ecology. As a senior pastor for nearly two decades, he builds on a foundation of strong biblical principles, walking the reader through an entirely new way to approach the family dynamic. When frustrated with an unresponsive child, a parent doesn’t declare, “You don’t love me.” Instead, the parent asserts, “You are being disrespectful right now.” A parent needs to feel respected, especially during conflicts. When upset a child does not whine, “You don’t respect me.” Instead, a child pouts, “You don’t love me.” A child needs to feel loved, especially during disputes. But here’s the rub: An unloved child or teen negatively reacts in a way that feels disrespectful to a parent. A disrespected parent negatively reacts in a way that feels unloving to the child. This dynamic gives birth to the FAMILY CRAZY CYCLE. This book teaches you to: See love and respect as basic family needs Stop the Family Crazy Cycle of conflict Parent in six biblical ways that energize your children Discipline defiance and overlook childishness Be the mature one since parenting is for adults only Become a loving parent in God's eyes, regardless of a child's response Based on what the Bible says about parenting, this book focuses on achieving healthy family dynamics. Dr. Eggerichs offers unprecedented transparency from his wife and three adult children, who share wisdom gained from the good, the bad, and the ugly of their family life. It's all here in this eye-opening exploration of the biblical principles on parenting that can help make families function as God intended.