Thomas Oden, Systematic Theology, vol. 3

Thomas Oden, a professor of Theology, as written a great three-volume systematic theology. It is very consciously an orthodox and historical look at the broad consensus of the Christian faith. Oden's strength is that he draws extensively on the Church fathers and major theologians from the past, as well as the biblical material, to cite the important developments and aspects of theology. He divides the doctrines up in a useful way that helps to illumine the important facets and discussions. This book is a great textbook that provides important background and helps to teach the basics in a thorough yet straightforward way.
I've not yet read all three volumes cover to cover, though I've been through a good bit of this third volume and his discussion on salvation. He starts off with a great discussion of repentance and its character and importance in salvation, and then moves to a thorough discussion of justification by grace through faith, outining the major developments of the doctrine. He espouses a carefully-reasoned Arminian-leaning position, and defends it very well both biblically and historically. His work is in no way a polemic against Calvinism, but it does show the importance of many aspects of Arminianism to the historic faith.
I have enjoyed delving into Oden's exploration and exposition of the faith, and look forward to going deeper and further into this work. I highly recommend it, and have found it usefull for teaching as well as reading and edification.