THOMAS ODEN

To the family of Dear Thomas Oden, I learned today of your Father, your loved one's death. It itself has caused a tremendous sense of loss for me. I immediately lamented, ran and explained to my wife of this news. For years now as a young African American preacher, with absolutely no formal Christian education, in fact with no post secondary education, I relied on the insightful wisdom of Professor. Dr. Oden. I came up in a church for 30 years where my former Pastor had no formal education, and have always believed that I should study to show myself approved unto God. Over the years I have used The book Systematic Theology as my guide and have felt that Dr. Oden was my mentor and Father in the understanding of the Gospel, and have helped me to define my Christianity. I have read his recent work on the contributions of Africa on Christianity and have found it to be so enlightening. I have used and stilled use his name and work in my many sermons, feeling so secure and confident listing and quoting his work in my sermons. I have come a long way and now for 8 years in a new church, as a Youth Pastor and an Elder with outstanding credits, in preaching and teaching the word. I currently am the Director of Christian Education at our Church, and a board member. At my 6 AM daily devotions, I again picked up Professor Oden's works. I stopped and said I will immediately get on the computer, find the gentleman and thank him from the bottom of my heart for his sowing into my life. God be my witness, I lie not,"I love Professor Oden and hold him dear in my heart". I was shocked this morning to find that He had gone Home to be with Our Savior and Lord. His work was not in vain, I will never cease to seek out His immeasurable wisdom and will remain in my study today reading, finding His other work on line,increasing my collection of his books, and will release a balloon in His honor today. The most unforgettable Professor Thomas Oden!

Our sincere condolence, our deepest sympathy,

Rev.Brian A. Robinson Sr.

We had just finished reading A Change of Heart and I went to look for a photo to include in the pastoral care subject I am preparing for Melbourne School of Theology, when I discovered that Dr. Oden had died in December. My husband and I feel like we have lost a friend and valuable mentor even though we have only met him through his work, which we are exploring, and his amazing story. Thank you, all of his beloved family and friends, for the influence and care that you extended to so precious and mighty a man. We join you in anticipating that day when we all will be face to face with Jesus and all who are his. God bless you.

Dear Dr. Oden's family, I send my condolences to you at the same time I nurse my sorrow at Dr. Oden's passage into the next life. He played a monumental role in my, and my wife's, life.

As a Ph.D. candidate at Drew University, 1980 to 1986, Professor Oden became my spiritual father and mentor, 30 years ahead of me in wisdom, kindness, and counsel. I worked as his graduate student assistant, spending endless hours together with him working on his books during those years. We often joked that the light never was off in his office; he worked all day and I worked all night. Sometimes we switched. I was, and is, one of the most important. I am proud to have earned a distinction from him for my dissertation.

My wife, inspired to the ministry by Dr. Oden, found his book, Pastoral Theology, a book I had the honor to work with him on, her guiding wisdom for D.Min. paper.

We will miss him, yet I already feel his presence with me in my office. In fact, sorting through his books on my shelf, I felt to compelled to do a search online, learning that he had passed over one month ago. He is my dear friend, mentor, and wise counsel. I am sure that he is having a great time with Edrita and the saints of heaven.Yet my condolences are with those he left here.

Daniel and Sunhee Davies (Las Vegas, NV, and Seoul, Korea

Dear Dr. Oden extended family,

I first met Dr. Oden at Drew University. He became my Ph.D. dissertation adviser. Dr. Oden has had profound influence on my life through personal interaction and writings. My name appears in some of his published writings as he honored me as one of those who contributed to his writing endeavors. I deeply cherish my memories of our times together--I am so saddened to learn of his recent passing. My our blessed Lord Jesus Christ continue to sustain the Oden family as you mourn his loss.

With deep appreciation,

David E. Eaton

Truly one of the most outstanding Christian leaders and authors of our times. We will miss him so much in what he has provided us in his books and articles over the years. Encourage you to read "Change pf Heart," which was one of his last books This puts his life in perspective which all will understand.
From a former Altus High School graduate of 1949 Lt. Gen. Jerry Max Bunyard.