Fruitful Theology by Ronni Kurtz

There is something off with some of the theological discourse we see today, Kurtz notes. Theology has become an expression of anger and is being used as a weapon accusing others of forsaking the truth.

Kurtz argues that theology done right results in a clearer vision of who God is and what He is doing in the world. When we do theology correctly, it shapes us. As we contemplate all things regarding God, we will be transformed. Kurtz says that transformation should be to Christlikeness and the fruit of the Spirit.

“Instead of living out their calling as dispensers of Christian wisdom who seek to interject the beautiful, the good, and the true into our cultural rhythms and conversations, some theologians are gaining a following on the back of a secular playbook that calls for demeaning any who dare disagree.” (56-57)

Following the section on the purpose and desired end of theological study, Kurtz goes through each of the fruit, sharing personal experiences and encouragement to develop the characteristic. Sustained contemplation of God, he says, should lead to the development of this fruit on our lives. “May theological truth melt our hard hearts,” he writes. (152) May our theology lead to love, to joy, to peace, to patience, to kindness, to goodness, to faithfulness, to gentleness, and to self-control.

Food for thought: “May we have strong minds and gentle spirits that seek to use Christian theology for the glory of God and the good of others.” (156)

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Ronni Kurtz (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is an assistant professor of theology at Cedarville University. Before moving to Ohio, he was a pastor in Kansas City, Missouri, for seven years where he also taught theology at Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College.

B&H Publishing, 192 pages.