Word of Life

Thomas Oden's second volume of systematic theology addresses Christology within his ambitious project to recover classical Christian consensus. Writing in the 1980s amid what he saw as theology's captivity to modern ideologies, Oden sought to demonstrate that the ancient ecumenical tradition contained resources sufficient for contemporary faith. This volume focuses entirely on the person and work of Jesus Christ, drawing extensively from patristic sources while engaging modern biblical scholarship and theological method.

Oden structures his Christology around the classical two-nature doctrine established at Chalcedon, but his treatment goes far beyond credal formulations. He explores Christ's pre-existence and eternal sonship, the mechanics of the incarnation, and the union of divine and human natures in one person. The work then turns to Christ's threefold office as prophet, priest, and king, examining how these roles illuminate both his earthly ministry and continuing heavenly work. Throughout, Oden demonstrates remarkable familiarity with ancient Christian writers, weaving together insights from figures like Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria, John of Damascus, and Thomas Aquinas. His method involves showing how seemingly diverse patristic voices actually converge on essential christological truths, creating what he terms a "consensual" theology that transcends denominational boundaries.

This volume represents Oden's mature attempt to rehabilitate classical Christology for late twentieth-century Christianity. His extensive quotations from ancient sources introduced many readers to patristic theology, while his systematic organization made complex doctrinal developments accessible to pastors and students. The work influenced the broader movement toward theological retrieval and demonstrated that rigorous engagement with tradition need not mean abandoning scholarly method. Who should read this: pastors and theology students seeking a comprehensive introduction to classical Christology, and anyone interested in how ancient Christian doctrine can address contemporary theological questions. This is not for readers looking for innovative christological proposals or those uncomfortable with strongly traditional doctrinal positions.