Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology

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.

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.

Prompt delivery.This product was my personal use.

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!

On time and in excellent condition!

This is a class textbook. I have read one chapter thus far and it is an easy read. Not boring or hard to read.

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.

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.

Great book

wonderful book - greatservice

information in book not applicable.

Would like to invest in a good quality hardback with a sewn binding.

Helpful handbook, well worth using even if like me you don't agree with all its conclusions