Thomas Oden and J.I. Packer: One Faith
Thomas C. Oden and James I. Packer, One Faith: The Evangelical Consensus (Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2004), 223 pages, ISBN 0830832394
Oden and Packer have done evangelicalism a valuable service in this work affirming and outlining its underlying unity contra a reputation for fragmentation. Drawing upon a wide array of trans-denominational and international confessions, they posit a remarkable coherence among evangelicals regarding ‘primary’ doctrines. As senior statesmen of the evangelical movement they are uniquely qualified for this endeavour, representing (some would say) opposite ends of the evangelical spectrum (Wesleyan and Calvinist). Their collaboration is itself indicative of the unity they further affirm. Oden and Packer’s own analysis of and vision for evangelical unity strengthens the work substantially. Some repetitiveness is evident but this is a very readable book.
However, while One Faith takes an important step toward not only affirming but also advancing evangelical unity, it does not deal with what its authors consider ‘secondary’ doctrines that admittedly involve controversy. Is the alleged unity substantive when it is decided in advance to ignore diversity? How contemporary evangelicals deal with differences says something too. Nevertheless, the distinction between ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ status issues is an ancient and useful one potentially capable of carrying the burden and blessing of diversity. Though not a specifically scholarly work, students of evangelicalism as well as evangelical laity and clergy will benefit from this book.
Reviewed by Tony Richie
Originally published on the Pneuma Foundation (parent organization of PneumaReview.com) website. Later included in the Summer 2024 issue.
J.S. writes: “In the intervening 10 years since this book appeared, it seems that the Calvinist vs non-Calvinist disagreements have intensified in many denominations and a very aggressive Calvinism is going after many in very abrasive rhetoric.
“Cessationist Calvinists such as John MacArthur have viciously attacked Charismatics, Pentecostals and continuationist Calvinists. Southern Baptists have been debating the growing Calvinist influence among their pastors, churches and seminaries. And rather continuous output of books, videos and websites attacking non-Calvinists as Pelagians or Semi-Pelagian has certainly mitigated against any sense of unity among in the body of Christ.
“Oden has a vision for unity, but it is not shared broadly enough.”