Tradition as a Viable Option for Protestant Theolgoy

Abstract

"This dissertation analyzes Thomas Oden's theological method in order to understand its structural elements. Thus it facilitates a clearer comprehension of his commitment to the classical Christian tradition in response to increasing emphasis on postmodernism in Protestant theology. Given Oden's affirmation of the Christian tradition and his simultaneous commitment to postmodern sensitivities, the dissertation strives to examine how he is able to harmonize what appears to be a dialectical situation. Although Oden's emphasis on tradition raises the perennial issue of Scripture versus Tradition, the postmodern question raises the issue beyond the usual Scripture-Tradition controversy to a fundamental concern regarding the compatibility of the postmodern agenda and the classical Protestant tradition"