Amipotence for Everyday Life
By Mark Umstot
Adopting God’s example of amipotence to transform our everyday lives and foster a more compassionate, hopeful world.
Imagine this: you’re watching the news. The world’s most powerful nations are under the grip of autocratic, oligarchic dictators. These countries hold immense global influence, yet their citizens live in fear, stripped of freedom, silenced, and oppressed. The leaders boast of their nation’s success, but beneath the surface, the people tremble in the shadows.
But what if I told you there’s a different kind of power waiting to be tapped—a power not measured by the ability to control, dominate, or coerce but by the capacity to love, persuade, and uplift? In a world increasingly scarred by injustice, conflict, and environmental degradation, this radical rethinking of power may be the key to healing our fractured world.
Enter Thomas Jay Oord’s idea of amipotence, a concept that redefines divine power and challenges us to rethink our understanding of power in relationships, community involvement, and even our spiritual practices. This collection of essays explains the profound theological implications of God’s omnipotence, challenging us to envision divine power in a new light of amipotence. How can we emulate this divine example in our journeys? For those who believe this approach is the key to navigating life, integrating this model into our everyday actions and decisions is the challenge.
Definition and Theological Framework
Let’s start with the basics. As you know by now, amipotence, coined by Oord, is a form of power rooted in love and persuasion, starkly contrasting with the traditional notion of omnipotence. While omnipotence is often seen as the ultimate, all-controlling power, amipotence operates on the principle that “Love does not coerce. Instead, love calls, persuades, invites, or influences without overriding freedom.”[1] This fits neatly within the broader framework of relational theology, where God’s power is expressed through love and relationships rather than unilateral control.
In simpler terms, amipotence is like that friend who always knows just what to say, making you feel valued and understood, instead of that overbearing buddy who insists on picking the movie every single time.
Relevance in Today’s World
Given the current state of global affairs—ranging from inequality and conflict to climate change—the relevance of rethinking power cannot be overstated. The ripple effect could be monumental if we shift our mindset from dominance to love-driven leadership. It could transform how we approach everything from politics and business to personal relationships and spiritual practices.
Personal Relationships
Imagine applying amipotence in daily interactions, like family life, friendships, and workplace dynamics. God’s involvement in the world is not about intervening to force outcomes but about working within creation to bring about good through loving relationships. How would this work with your family, friends, and even the waiter who got your order wrong?
Family Life
Instead of yelling at your teenager for missing curfew, how about having a heart-to-heart where you persuade them to see your point of view? It’s not about control; it’s about mutual understanding. Plus, when your teen sees that you’re genuinely trying to establish a loving relationship instead of being the “my way or the highway” parent, they may actually start listening and respecting your opinions. And let’s be honest here—that’s worth more than any amount of control. Transforming these moments into opportunities for love-driven dialogue can shift whole situations.
Workplace Dynamics
What about your workplace? Instead of the all-too-typical micromanagement approach, think of a team brainstorming session where everyone’s ideas are welcomed with open arms. Encouraging colleagues to contribute means cultivating creativity and collaboration, leading to solutions that feel less like a chore and more like a fun puzzle everyone gets to solve together.
In the work environment, embodying amipotence could mean encouraging your team with positive reinforcement rather than micromanaging every task. It’s about creating a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Friendships
In friendships, think about how often we might push our preferences onto others—like that one friend who insists on watching the same movie every time you hang out (you know the one!). Instead, embrace a more flexible approach. Try saying, “I’m open to anything, as long as it’s not another rewatch of that movie we’ve seen a hundred times. What do you suggest?” This way, you create space for fresh ideas and show that you value their input, making your time together more engaging and less of a chore.
Remember when your buddy borrowed your lawnmower and returned it with an empty tank? Instead of resorting to a passive-aggressive text, imagine resolving the issue through a loving, straightforward conversation.
We’ve all had that friend who always has to be right, no matter what. They can argue until they are blue in the face just to prove their point. Instead of getting heated and trying to out-argue them, why not try amipotence? Hear them out and ask questions with genuine curiosity rather than defensiveness. This shift in approach can turn a potential argument into an open dialogue.
Following the example of a God who does power differently through amipotence, we enhance our relationships and contribute positively to the atmosphere around us in these everyday interactions!
So the next time you find yourself clashing with a colleague or friend, try tapping into your amipotence and watch as the situation transforms from a power struggle to a collaboration. And who knows, you might even have some fun along the way!
Community and Activism
Amipotence can guide communities and social movements, advocating for change through love-driven, non-coercive methods. Picture this—social movements driven not by anger or hatred but by a genuine desire to uplift and empower.
Community Building
Imagine community initiatives that prioritize mutual support and growth over competition. Picture a neighborhood where people readily offer help without expecting anything in return, driven purely by a genuine concern for one another. These initiatives could include activities like communal gardens where neighbors collaborate to cultivate fresh produce, skill-sharing workshops that empower residents with new abilities, and local events that bring people together to celebrate their diverse cultures and talents. It’s a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to contribute to the well-being of the entire community.
Non-Violent Advocacy
Consider Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful protests during the Civil Rights Movement, a pivotal era in American history. He harnessed the power of love and persuasion, using nonviolent methods such as marches, speeches, and sit-ins to bring about monumental change in society. His unwavering commitment to equality and justice inspired millions and led to significant legislative advancements like the Civil Rights Act. That’s amipotence in action, demonstrating the immense power of peaceful resistance and moral courage.
Prayer
Now, before you roll your eyes at the mention of prayer and assume it’s all about getting us out of bad situations we created for ourselves or whispering in a dark closet, let’s clarify!
Think of prayer as more of a cosmic chat. It’s like making a phone call to the universe without the awkward small talk. Whether you’re seeking guidance, offering gratitude, or just venting about that one coworker who is incessant about smacking their gum, prayer can ground your spirit and open your heart. Prayer, often seen as a way to align our desires with the divine, can be reimagined as a practice of openness, where we seek not to impose our will but to embrace whatever possibilities may unfold.
Also, rather than being just a solo act, it can also bring people together. Group prayers can become an electrifying blend of intention and community spirit, while everyone collectively tries not to burst into laughter during the awkward moments of silence!
Amipotence transforms our understanding of prayer, not as a means of trying to change God’s mind, but as participating in God’s ongoing work of love in the world. Instead of pleading with God to fix our problems, we align ourselves with divine love and work towards solutions together.
Service
Acts of service can transcend mere duty when approached with amipotence. Instead of serving with a fixed agenda, we can engage with others in a spirit of genuine collaboration, inviting their needs and perspectives to shape our actions. Engaging in acts of kindness. Volunteering at a local shelter. Sorting canned goods at the food bank. You’re not just offering a hand; you’re creating a bond, mixing goodwill with laughter, shared stories, and the occasional funny mishap—like showing up with dessert when it’s actually your turn to bring the main course.
Service empowers everyone involved, creating connections and fostering a lovely little ecosystem of kindness. Service, then, is not just about charity but about building genuine relationships where both parties are uplifted.
The Transformative Potential of Amipotence
The concept of amipotence offers a radical shift in how we understand and wield power. By applying this principle to personal relationships, community activism, and spiritual practices, we can begin to address the modern challenges of inequality, conflict, and environmental degradation in a more loving and effective manner.
Now that you’re equipped with this revolutionary idea, why not put it into practice? Start by applying amipotence in small ways—offer a listening ear, engage in non-coercive advocacy, and reframe your spiritual practices.
In a time when the misuse of power has led to widespread injustice, conflict, and environmental degradation, rethinking power through the lens of amipotence offers a hopeful and transformative path forward. Whether in our personal relationships, community activism, or spiritual practices, adopting a power rooted in love and persuasion can help us build a more just and compassionate world.
Ready to make a difference? Start by integrating the principles of amipotence into your life today. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Join a community of like-minded individuals committed to making the world a better place through the power of love and relationship.
In the end, true power doesn’t come from the ability to dominate or control—it comes from the capacity to love, persuade, and uplift. And that’s the kind of power we could all use a little more of. So let’s strive to be amipotent together and create a better tomorrow for ourselves and future generations. The possibilities are endless when we wield our power with love and empathy.
This is not the end of the conversation—just the beginning. Let’s keep exploring, learning, and practicing amipotence together as we impact the world positively. Remember, every small act of love and persuasion counts in creating a more just and compassionate society. If this is how God operates, why shouldn’t we follow suit?
Bio: Mark Umstot merges multiple decades of visual photographic storytelling with a deep passion for Open and Relational Theism. He holds an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned his doctorate under Thomas Jay Oord at Northwind Seminary. As the creative mind behind ‘Theology Jack,’ Mark explores thought-provoking theological insights.
OORD’S DRABBLE* RESPONSE
Mark Umstot believes amipotence could be a vital key to building a more compassionate world. Unlike controlling power, amipotence doesn’t strip people of freedom or instill fear—it offers hope amid life’s struggles. When applied to relationships, families, workplaces, friendships, and communities, amipotence inspires a radically different way of living—one rooted in love without control. Mark points to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a powerful example of this kind of life. I resonate with Mark’s vision and agree that amipotence can reshape how we view God, power, and one another. True transformation begins with embracing uncontrolling, divine love.
For more on Oord’s explanation of amipotence, see this blog article.
* A drabble is an essay exactly 100 words in length.
[1]. Thomas Jay Oord, “Evolution and the Bible,” Thomas Jay Oord Blog, accessed September 1, 2024, https://thomasjayoord.com/index.php/blog/archives/evolution_and_the_bible.