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Thomas C. Oden
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Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology Hardcover – August 4, 2009

by Thomas C. Oden (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 236 ratings
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For the first time, Thomas Oden's Systematic Theology classic series (individually titled The Living God, The Word of Life, and Life in the Spirit) is available in one complete volume. A renowned theologian, Oden provides a consensus view of the Christian faith, delving deeply into ancient Christian tradition and bringing to the contemporary church the best wisdom from its past. In this magisterial work, Oden tackles the central questions of Christian belief and the nature of the trinity.

Written for clergy, Christian educators, religious scholars, and lay readers alike, Classic Christianity provides the best synthesis of the whole history of Christian thought. Part one explores the most intriguing questions of the study of God—Does God exist? Does Jesus reveal God? Is God personal, compassionate, free?—and presents answers that reflect the broad consensus culled from the breadth of the church's teachers. It is rooted deeply and deliberately in scripture but confronts the contemporary mind with the vitality of the Christian tradition. Part two addresses the perplexing Christological issues of whether God became flesh, whether God became Christ, and whether Christ is the source of salvation. Oden details the core beliefs concerning Jesus Christ that have been handed down for the last two hundred decades, namely, who he was, what he did, and what that means for us today. Part three examines how the work of God in creation and redemption is being brought to consummation by the Holy Spirit in persons, through communities, and in the fullness of human destiny. Oden's magisterial study not only treats the traditional elements of systematical theology but also highlights the foundational exegetes throughout history. Covering the ecumenical councils and early synods; the great teachers of the Eastern church tradition, including Athanasius and John Chrysostom; and the prominent Western figures such as Augustine, Ambrose, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, and John Calvin, this book offers the reader the fullest understanding of the Christian faith available.

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  1. Part of series
    Systematic Theology
  2. Print length
    944 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    HarperOne
  5. Publication date
    August 4, 2009
  6. Dimensions
    6 x 1.76 x 9 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0061449717
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0061449710
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thomas C. Oden is the Henry Anson Buttz Professor of Theology and Ethics at Drew University and the author of more than twenty widely read books, including Pastoral Theology, Agenda for Theology, and Kerygma and Counseling. He is also the general editor of the pioneering series The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne (August 4, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 944 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0061449717
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0061449710
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.45 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.76 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 236 ratings

About the author

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Thomas C. Oden

Thomas C. Oden

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Thomas C. Oden (Ph.D., Yale University) recently retired as Henry Anson Buttz Professor of Theology at The Theological School of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He is general editor of the Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture and author of numerous theological works, including a three-volume systematic theology.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
236 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kalt
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource for Orthodox Christian Theology
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2013
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I bought this book for $2.99 upon one of my former professor's recommendation. LOVE IT! Oden does a fantastic job citing all kinds of ancient writers - from the earliest Christians up to Bonhoeffer. For anyone who is interested in reading ancient Christian authors, many, many references are cited throughout this work so you know exactly which book by which author to look for on specific topics. While some books on doctrine work better as a reference work, this is surprisingly enjoyable to read. The information is presented in an almost conversational tone, which makes it easy to digest. You don't feel like you're just reading facts. You're learning more about faith and its particularities in an engaging way.

I noticed one other person said the Kindle version has no table of contents. That's untrue. While the Kindle version has no link to take you to the table of contents, it does have an active table of contents to take you to the various chapters and the sections within each chapter. It's laid out very well and this book would be miserable to read on Kindle without this.
30 people found this helpful
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James Schmaedeke
5.0 out of 5 stars Reliable Product descriptions
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023
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Prompt delivery.
This product was my personal use.
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Diane Fillmore
5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Valuable Text from my Seminary Studies
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2014
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I first encountered Thomas Oden over ten years ago when I was working on a graduate seminary degree. Of all the text books I bought, this has been the only one I have returned to over and over again. Not only has Oden collected an vast array of historical comments on various theological topics (and documented the exact location where each quote can be found in the original texts) he has organized the book into a logical and readable progression of thought. While this structure makes the book incredibly helpful for sermon or article background, it also makes it useful for personal devotional reading. This is not light reading but it is reading that turns the mental (and spiritual) lights on.
14 people found this helpful
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Edward Cuthbert
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023
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On time and in excellent condition!
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Andrew
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Systematic Theology book ever!
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2014
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I used Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology book in undergrad, and it was pretty good. We used this one at Asbury Seminary, and it has proved useful over and over again. Keep in mind that Thomas Oden is kinda hard to read, at least quickly, because of the density of how he writes, but there is a wealth of knowledge within these pages. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
13 people found this helpful
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NelSmith
4.0 out of 5 stars Home delivery of textbooks fit into a busy schedule and lifestyle.
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2019
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This is a class textbook. I have read one chapter thus far and it is an easy read. Not boring or hard to read.
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Bonnie V 1210
5.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes Even Entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2017
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Comprehensive, well-written, and sometimes even entertaining. I hated having to read and study it for a class, but now I find it to be an invaluable resource. I go back and forth between the hardcopy and the Kindle version.
7 people found this helpful
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Nichols
5.0 out of 5 stars The best systematic theology text available.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2016
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The best systematic theology text there is. This book is beyond partisan theology, and thus it is a must have for every theology student. Oden's use of primary sources, specifically early church fathers makes this book priceless. Chances are you will never be able to read the volumes of writing produced by the early church. Don't worry, you won't need to. Oden has collect all the relevant works across the spectrum and compiled this amazing work.

If I had one frustration, it is that there is often little stated that is not actually a quote. Sometimes I wished Oden would have written or added his own summary of the material.
17 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Allison McHugh
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in Australia on September 24, 2020
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Great book
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Alan Coates
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2015
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wonderful book - great
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Peter Proctor
4.0 out of 5 stars not wanted.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2023
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information in book not applicable.
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Alex Jackson
3.0 out of 5 stars Glued binding
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2023
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Would like to invest in a good quality hardback with a sewn binding.
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Ian
4.0 out of 5 stars well worth using even if like me you don't agree with all its
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 22, 2015
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Helpful handbook, well worth using even if like me you don't agree with all its conclusions
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