One Faith: The Evangelical Consensus

by J.I. Packer, Thomas C. Oden

Authors survey evnagelical statements of faith produced since 1950, including the Lausanne Covenant (1974), the Manila Manifesto (1989), the Gospel of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration (1999) and The Amsterdam Declaration (2000). They show that there is a significant consensus around the central tenets of the Christian faith. Addresses the current need to clarify evangelical identity. Exposes the fallacy that evangelicalism is hopelessly fragmented. Provides the foundations for a theological unity celebrated throughout the church universal. Cites more than 75 documents of evangelicalism. Charts sixteen different theological themes. Written by two prominent evangelical statesmen representing the two main theological branches of Protestantism.

Genres: Theology

223 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2004

About the author

J. I. Packer (1926–2020) is regarded as one of the most well-known theologians of our time. Once named to Time magazine's list of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America, Packer served as Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. His books include Knowing God, Praying, A Quest for Godliness, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, and Rediscovering Holiness.

Reviews

[Dominic Venuso]

I don't really know what to make of this. I saw it recommended as an important part of the evangelical canon. It is perhaps worthwhile to try to describe what is widely believed among evangelicals for reference. Since the gap between these statements and lived evangelicalism is quite broad in places, there are limits to the usefulness of this description. For people like those who compiled it, I am sure there is more value in a charitable and aspirational description of evangelicalism and what it broadly believes.

The main benefit I got of out it was learning about the Chicago Call. I was not aware of that before and found learning about it and reading some of it helpful.

[Todd]

I am eager to dig into this as I pursue an understanding of what doctrine is that which is essential and so must allow division in the body of Christ in order to maintain historical and theological integrity in the faith.