By Greg Hoover
Preface
This catechism is written for seekers desiring to know God through the lens of uncontrolling love—a love that never coerces but always works for the flourishing of creation. Rooted in Scripture and inspired by the theology of Thomas Jay Oord, this guide invites us into a vision of a God who is radically relational, faithfully present, and loving without manipulation, even amid suffering, confusion, and hope.
I. The Nature of God
Q1. Who is God? God is the eternal Creator whose very nature is self-giving, others-empowering, uncontrolling love. “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God.” – 1 John 4:16
Q2. What does it mean that God is love? Every action and intention of God flows from steadfast love, always seeking the good of others without domination. “The Lord is gracious and merciful… abounding in steadfast love.” – Psalm 145:8
Q3. Does God control others by force? No. God’s love never overrides freedom or integrity. “Love does not insist on its own way.” – 1 Corinthians 13:5
II. Creation and the World
Q4. Why did God create the world? To share existence, beauty, and relationship in love. “God saw all he had made… and it was very good.” – Genesis 1:31
Q5. Does God control the world like a puppet master? No. God honors the freedom of creation. “The earth he has given to human beings.” – Psalm 115:16
Q6. Why does suffering and evil exist? Because freedom includes the possibility of harm, and God’s essential nature of uncontrolling love will not override that freedom. “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it in hope.” – Romans 8:20
III. God’s Power and Action
Q7. How does God act in the world? Lovingly, persistently, and non-coercively—always inviting goodness. “In all things God works for the good…” – Romans 8:28
Q8. Is God’s power limited? It is self-limited by God’s nature of uncontrolling love. “It is impossible for God to lie.” – Hebrews 6:18
Q9. How can we trust God? Because God never abandons creation, never stops loving, and always works for redemption. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” – Lamentations 3:22
IV. Jesus Christ
Q10. How is Jesus God’s love revealed? Jesus embodies non-coercive love through healing, teaching, suffering, and giving. “Greater love has no one than this…” – John 15:13
Q11. Did God control the events of Jesus’ life and death? No. Jesus experienced real freedom, resistance, and pain. “He emptied himself…” – Philippians 2:6–7
V. The Holy Spirit
Q12. What is the role of the Spirit? To gently inspire, comfort, empower, and guide without force. “The Spirit helps us in our weakness… with sighs too deep for words.” – Romans 8:26
VI. Prayer and Divine Response
Q13. Why pray if God cannot control? Prayer connects us to God’s loving influence and invites change through relationship. “Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Q14. Does God answer prayer? Yes—always in love. But outcomes may vary, because God honors freedom. “Ask… seek… knock…” – Matthew 7:7
VII. Salvation and Hope
Q15. What is salvation? An ongoing journey of healing, reconciliation, and love—personal and cosmic. “For God so loved the world…” – John 3:16
Q16. Is salvation guaranteed? God offers it to all, but we are invited to respond freely. “Not wanting any to perish…” – 2 Peter 3:9
VIII. Evil, Suffering, and Redemption
Q17. Why doesn’t God stop every tragedy? Because love does not control, but God works within pain for redemption. “Jesus began to weep.” – John 11:35
Q18. Where is God in suffering? With us, grieving, healing, and persisting in love. “You are with me.” – Psalm 23:4
IX. The Church and Mission
Q19. What is the Church’s mission? To embody God’s love through justice, compassion, and community. “By this everyone will know you are my disciples… if you love.” – John 13:35
Q20. How does the Church reflect God’s love? By creating spaces of dignity, freedom, and transformation. “All of you are one in Christ.” – Galatians 3:28
X. The End and New Creation
Q21. What is our ultimate hope? That love will redeem all things and dwell among us in fullness. “God will dwell with them…” – Revelation 21:3
Q22. How will love fulfill God’s purposes? Through patient, persistent persuasion—not control. “Love never ends.” – 1 Corinthians 13:8
L.O.V.E. — The Core of Uncontrolling Love Theology
To remember the essence of this theology, hold onto L.O.V.E.:
L — Liberating God’s love sets free, never dominates. “For freedom Christ has set us free.” – Galatians 5:1
O — Others-Empowering God nurtures others to flourish and participate in love’s unfolding story. “Build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
V — Vulnerable God enters our pain, never detached, always tender. “Jesus wept.” – John 11:35
E — Endless God’s love never gives up. “Love never ends.” – 1 Corinthians 13:8
A Final Word
This catechism is not just a set of beliefs, it is an invitation to live love that liberates, empowers, suffers, and endures. May you trust the God who never controls but always loves. And may you become an agent of that love, in your heart, your home, and your world.