Rethinking Creation and Providence for a Systematic Theology of Love
Join us for an Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion public seminar with Dr Tom Oord (Director, Centre for Open and Relational Theology).
Many theories of initial creation begin with the assumption an omnipotent deity once existed alone and then created the universe from absolutely nothing. Many also assume a sovereign God rules over creation by either controlling all or having the ability to control creatures and creation. Thomas Jay Oord thinks about God and creation differently. In this lecture, Oord argues that theists are wise to speculate that God everlastingly creates out of or alongside creaturely others. God never conjures something from nothing. Divine providence involves God's self-giving, others-empowering, and uncontrolling love for all, from the simplest creatures to the most complex. Rather than omnipotent or impotent, the universal Spirit of Love is amipotent: one who gives and receives with uncontrolling love for all.
Attend this lecture for a new and potentially more compelling account of a loving Creator and intrinsically valuable creation.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026
- Time: 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- Location: L1 Lecture Theatre, Schwarzman Centre, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, University of Oxford
- Registration necessary: Click here to register on Eventbrite
- Open to the public
- A wine reception will follow the public seminar in the Faculty of Theology and Religion (third floor, Schwarzman Centre), providing an opportunity to meet the speaker and fellow attendees.
About the Speaker: Tom Oord is a theologian and philosopher who directs doctoral programs in Open and Relational Theology at Northwind Theological Seminary and directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology.
For any queries, please contact: irc.admin@theology.ox.ac.uk
This event is hosted by the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion and the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford. To stay up to date with our events, join our mailing list: Click here to join our mailing list.
