It's to be a serviceable five-volume distillation of ancient commentary on the Nicean-Constantinopolitan Creed (325/381 a.d.). So the collection will be a kind of super-commentary of sources (the Gregories, Augustine, et al) casting light on the Creed, which is itself a commentary and condensation of the Scripture story--from creation to consummation, Amen!
I love Tom Oden. He has been singing this song about the great "ancient ecumenical doctrinal consensus" at least since the early 70's when I read his Agenda for Theology. Some years ago Christian Century ran a series of essays by theologians: "How My Mind Has Changed." Tom's contribution was, "How My Mind Has Not Changed." Tom meant, of course, how his affection for and conservation of the ancient ecumenical consensus orthodoxy had not changed. Tom belongs to the "Sierra Club" of grateful theologians who do not want to give up the gifts given to us in the past by our fathers and mothers in the faith.
So we can be grateful for this resource (Can you imagine the anguishing editorial decisions that had to be made?) as we can be grateful and humbled on account of the cloud of witnesses from every age with whom we get to study, interpret, proclaim the Scripture, and participate in the life and mission of God today. Thanks again Tom! Thanks IVP!
A "Sierra Club" of theologians. Hmmm... I want to sign on; hug some things, conserve the good stuff.
--Larry
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