We're looking at the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. Whether you're a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you've never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you.
agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com (https://agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
Publisher
A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today.
Tom and Simon explore the vexed question of ‘What is left of God after deconstruction?’. He shares the story of his own deconstruction journey and why love is the central idea that has shaped his faith ever since.
About Tom
Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philosopher and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. He 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 and he has recently published part one of three volume book series: A Systematic Theology of Love.
Tom 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.
Links:
* Buy your copy of A Systematic Theology of Love: Volume 1 (https://www.amazon.com/Systematic-Theology-Love-God-Creation/dp/1968136509)
* Watch SEER on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s52ywHf-hxQ)
* Follow Thomas Jay Oord (https://substack.com/profile/281299301-thomas-jay-oord) on Substack
* Check out Tom’s website (https://thomasjayoord.com/)
Coming Up:
Recording for our next series is now underway! Expect to see that in your podcast feeds from this Autumn.
About A God We Could Believe In:
A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you.
Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com (https://agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/)
Stay in touch
Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com (mailto:agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein
Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe (https://agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
22 May 2026
Live: How would Jesus 'Unite The Kingdom'?
Back in March, we welcomed Revd Dr Helen Paynter to the Hyde Park Book Club in Leeds to question just how Jesus would ‘Unite The Kingdom’, a reference to the rallies held in London by Far Right figurehead Tommy Robinson, the second of which took place just this weekend.
In this talk she explores the ways that groups are fusing Christianity with nationalism, ethnic identity, and anti-immigration rhetoric in ways that threaten liberal democracy and distort the message of Jesus. She then points to some ways that Christians can engage with these groups from across the political divide without resorting to the same hostility and power-driven politics.
About Helen:
Helen is the Director of the Centre for the Study of the Bible and Violence in Bristol, has written and edited several books on Christianity and extremism, and has recently edited a volume titled ‘The Church, the Far Right and the Claim to Christianity’.
Coming up
Our next live Café Theologique event is taking place on Thursday 4 June and features Professor Thomas Jay Oord on the topic of ‘What’s left of God after deconstruction?’. Space is limited and tickets are going fast so if you’d like to join us, book your place asap (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cafe-theologique-what-is-left-of-god-after-deconstruction-with-tom-oord-tickets-1987817495640).
About A God We Could Believe In:
A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you.
Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com (https://agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/)
Stay in touch
Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com (mailto:agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein
Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe (https://agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
27 Apr 2026
Q&A: Towards a different sexual ethic
Content warning: This series covers issues of sexual relationships, abuse, gender and identity, so listener discretion is advised. In particular, this episode includes discussion of sexual assault, rape and drugging in the context of the recent ‘online rape academy’ story. That section lasts from 6.20 until 19.30. As always, please look after yourselves.
We’re picking up your questions in response to our final episode, Towards a Different Sexual Ethic. How does asexuality fit into the picture? What about gay hookup culture? Will gender equality and lgbtq+ affirmation ever be mainstream, and what do we do until then?
Coming up
We’re taking a break to plan and record our next series, but there’ll be ad hoc episodes popping every now and then.
In the meantime, we’d love to hear from you. You can message us via our Substack, Facebook or Instagram and you can also email us at agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com (mailto:agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com).
About A God We Could Believe In:
A frank and honest look at Christianity as we find it today. We’re examining the things the church says and does that are embarrassing, confusing or even downright offensive. In other religious contexts, your questions might be forbidden but not here. So whether you’re a lifelong churchgoer with the scars to prove it, or you’ve never entered a church and are just interested in the debate, this is a safe space for you.
New episodes are released every other Monday.
Support the project by sharing it widely and join our Substack community for bonus episodes and reflections at agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com (https://agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/)
Stay in touch
Email: agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com (mailto:agodwecouldbelievein@gmail.com)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/agodwecouldbelievein
Instagram: www.instagram.com/agodwecouldbelievein
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe (https://agodwecouldbelievein.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2)
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