Thomas C. Oden's JOHN WESLEY'S TEACHINGS

[Haasrecht]

Hello. I was wondering what the general consensus among Wesleyan folks is regarding the quality and usefulness of Thomas C. Oden's four volume series John Wesley's Teachings.

From my initial internet searching, Oden seems to be quite well-respected. Is that the case? Has anyone here read that series or other publications of Oden's?

The context of my question, if anyone is curious, is that in my search for a theological tradition that rests well with me, the Wesleyan tradition is one of the two that keep cropping up.

Thanks!

 

[circuitrider]

Oden is a respected scholar. But not everyone agrees with his views. He is part of what is known as the "confessing" movement in the UMC. That is a conservative group that wants the UMC to be a confessional Church.

 

[RomansFiveEight]

Like CW said, it's important, as with anyone, to know the perspective behind the author. He's certainly a good source for academic information, even if I might not agree with him on a number of things. In fact, some of my very favorite scholars (N.T. Wright, for example) have perspectives that differ from mine. Come to think of it; I don't know I've ever met someone who agreed with me 100%.

I tend to value a critical, open-minded and humble approach to the Gospel (a reason I appreciate N.T. Wright) over someone who is socially or politically in line with me.

 

[circuitrider]

True, if I only read theologians who agreed with me 100% I'd only read my own stuff. LOL