Thomas Clark Oden (October 21, 1931 - ) is an American Christian theologian associated with Drew University in New Jersey. An ordained United Methodist Elder, he is also perhaps the "Father of the Paleo-Orthodox movement" and arguably one of the most influential churchmen of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He has proven to be very important in the contemporary ecumenical movement and in Christian evangelical circles.
Oden was born in Altus, OK and graduated cum laude from the University of Oklahoma in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Three years later, he graduated magna cum laude from Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology, with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He received a Master of Arts from Yale University in 1958, and a Ph.D. from Yale in 1960. He also holds a Doctor of Literature from Asbury College.
Oden has taught at Yale University, SMU’s Perkins School of Theology, The Graduate Seminary of Phillips University, Ruprecht-Karl Universitaet in Heidelberg, Germany, Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland, Texas Medical School’s Institute of Religion, Drew University, Princeton Theological Seminary, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the School of Theology at Claremont, Moscow State University, Gregorian University, Rome, and General Theological Seminary, in New York. He is currently Henry Anson Buttz Professor of Theology and Ethics at The Theological School and The Graduate School, Drew University.
He has served as the Senior Editor for Christianity Today and staffed the Editorial Boards of the following publications: Journal of Pastoral Care, Journal of Christian Counseling, Zondervan, Academic Books, and Pro Ecclesia.
Oden has been presented with numerous honors, awards, and fellowships.