Systematic Theology Vol-I: The Living God: by- Thomas C. Oden

Systematic Theology Vol-I: The Living God: by- Thomas C. Oden

In the three volumes of his Systematic Tbeology, Thomas Oden brings the full weight of two millennia of discussion to bear on the ever-contemporary questions of Christian faith, emphasizing the beliefs common to all branches of Christendom rather than the issues that divide. His magisterial study not only treats the traditional elements of systematic theology, referencing hundreds of theologians-Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, charismatic—but also highlights the foundational exegetes of history. Broadly ecumenical, and written from the perspective of a theological liberal-turned-evangelical, Oden’s direct, frank, and provocative approach articulates the concerns of a broad spectrum of Christians-pastors, teachers, seminarians, and thoughtful laity.

Though comprehensive in scope, the set is arranged in a Trinitarian fashion, with each volume focusing on one person of the godhead. Volume 2, The Word of Life, discusses Christ and the Incarnation. Volume 3, Life in the Spirit, considers the presence of the Holy Spirit in history, and his power in the lives and communities of present-day believers.

This, the first volume of the set, reviews the ways Christians understand God, creation, and providence. “The Living God” explores the naming of God, the nature of God, and the character of God, including whether God can be defined. “The Reality of God” discusses questions of whether God is, and whether he is triune. “The Work of God” looks at the ways God the Creator interacts with creation, and how God cares for the world, including a discussion of providence, fate, sin, and evil. Finally, “The Study of God” considers whether God can be studied at all, and the reasoning of divine revelation.