Liberative Open and Relational Theology
An online conference exploring open and relational, postcolonial, and liberation theologies.
Thursday, November 12 • 7 PM - 10 PM CST
On the occasion of the publication of Steve Watson's groundbreaking new book of theology, All Flesh Shalom: Larger Freer, More Loving Readings of the Good News of Jesus, the Center for Open and Relational Theology is sponsoring a one-night online conference, Liberative Open and Relational Theology. Dr. Thomas Jay Oord, the Center's director, will host and moderate the evening. Five prolific and respected scholars - Drs. Angela Parker, Christena Cleveland, Randy Woodley, Andrew Sung Park, and Jennifer Garcia Bashaw - will each speak on the topics from one of the chapters of Watson's book.
After a short response from Steve Watson, Tom will moderate questions and discussions. This event is free and fully online. It will offer a great introduction to the innovative, pathfinding work of seven contemporary theologians and invite participants to explore new directions in the theology that drives our faith, teaching, and leadership.
As part of our mission to equip pastors, artists, and leaders for renewed expression of the good news of Jesus, the Post Evangelical Collective is glad to co-sponsor this event.
Register below
Questions: Email Steve Watson at steve@reservoirchurch.org
Featured Author
Dr. Steve Watson has spent his career in urban public education and Christian pastoral ministry. For the past 13 years, he has been the senior pastor of Reservoir Church, a multi-racial, post-evangelical church in Greater Boston. Steve is also active as a leader in interfaith community organizing for public justice and as a singer of Renaissance music. He has a B.A. in music from Brandeis University, a Masters in Education from UMASS-Boston, and a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry from Northwind Seminary. His recently published book All Flesh Shalom explores how open and relational and postcolonial theologies can facilitate larger, freer, more loving readings of the good news of Jesus. You can also find him on Substack @allfleshshalom.
Speakers
Rev. Dr. Angela Parker holds a PhD in Bible, Culture, and Hermeneutics with a New Testament focus from Chicago Theological Seminary. Her teaching, research, and writing explore New Testament texts through womanist and postcolonial perspectives, with particular attention to how Christian communities engage Scripture amid violence and injustice.
She also holds a Master of Theological Studies from Duke Divinity School and a BA from Shaw University. An ordained Baptist minister and experienced educator, Dr. Parker teaches New Testament and Biblical Greek. Her forthcoming publications address liberation, racial reconciliation, and the Apostle Paul from feminist and womanist perspectives.
Dr. Randy Woodley addresses a variety of issues concerning American culture, faith, justice, race, our relationship with the earth, and Indigenous realities. He recently retired as Distinguished Professor of Faith and Culture and Director of Intercultural and Indigenous Studies at Portland Seminary, Portland Oregon. His expertise has been sought in national venues as diverse as Time Magazine, The New York Times, Politifact, Christianity Today, The Huffington Post, and Planet Drum: A Voice for Bioregional, Sustainability, Education, and Culture. Randy identifies strongly with issues of eco-justice, diversity, and racial justice. He has found the sweet spot of sharing difficult truths, in the spirit of love and acceptance through his teachings and writings. Randy’s authentic and timely messages dig to the root of our own imbalanced and unjust systems in an effort to restore us all to ways of harmony.
Dr. Christina Cleveland is a social psychologist, public theologian, mystic-activist, and author whose work weaves together Black liberation, the divine feminine, psychology, theology, and embodied justice. She is the author of God Is a Black Woman and The Black Madonna: Icon of Resistance and Nourisher of Souls, and founder of the Black Madonna Freedom School.
A sought-after speaker and facilitator, Christena guides people toward freedom, wholeness, and justice through storytelling, psychology, theology, and somatic practices. Her work has been featured by PBS, NPR, BBC Radio, Essence, The Washington Post, and the History Channel.
Dr. Jennifer Garcia Bradshaw (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is an Associate Professor of New Testament and Christian Ministry at Campbell University in North Carolina and is an ordained Baptist minister with a passion for teaching the Bible and training pastors. Jennifer is also a Nerd-in-Residence for The Bible for Normal People and is the author of Scapegoats: The Bible through the Eyes of Victims and John for Normal People: A Guide through the Depth & Drama of the Fourth Gospel.
Dr. Andrew Sung Park is the Professor of Theology and Ethics at United Theological Seminary. Andrew’s teaching and research interests include Christian Mystics, the dialogue between Theology and Science, Liberation Theology, Ecological Theology, Healing Theology, Global Theology, Transformation of Christianity and Christian Ethics.
Host
Dr. Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. Oord is a best-selling and award-winning author, having written or edited more than forty books. Academic Influence ranks him among the most influential theologians in the 21st century. Oord directs doctoral programs at Northwind Theological Seminary and directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology. He is known for his research and writing on love, open and relational theology, science and religion, evil and power, and the implications of freedom and relationships for transformation.