Fruitful Theology: How the Life of the Mind Leads to the Life of the Soul

Why do the theologians rage?

Even a cursory scrolling of social media may lead you to the conclusion that you have to be angry to do theology. Sadly, our day is characterized by theological fighting--complete with harsh words, exaggeration, biting sarcasm, and the spirit of tearing down our brothers and sisters in Christ. But it does not have to be this way. In fact, it should not be this way.

In Fruitful Theology, Ronni Kurtz swims upstream to counter this prevailing problem. Instead of theology leading to anger, division, and discord, this book shows that the life of the mind can actually lead to the fruit of the Spirit. Fruitful Theology is for anyone who:

• Wants to grow in an understanding of Scripture, but is afraid that knowledge will make them arrogant;
• Is confused about the relationship between doctrine and Christian living;
• Is concerned that theological conviction promotes disunity and discord among Christians;
• Desires to grow in Christian maturity, but isn't sure how theology fits into that desire.

What if our speech and conduct were seasoned more with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? How might the church's unity be restored, and our witness be maximized, if we were characterized by the fruit of the Spirit instead of the spirit of our age? Theology may not be the most obvious candidate in helping reorient our life towards the fruit of the Spirit, but a right contemplation of God can indeed lead to right living for God, and that is exactly what this book hopes to explore.

Ronni Kurtz (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an Assistant Professor of Theology at Cedarville University. Before moving to Ohio, Ronni was a pastor in Kansas City, Missouri for seven years where he also taught theology at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College. He is also the author of No Shadow of Turning: Divine Immutability and the Economy of Redemption.