Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit

by Philip D. Kenneson

Overview

Many books—many fine books—have been published on the fruits of the Spirit. But none are quite like Life on the Vine.Philip Kenneson combines in this book rich, theologically grounded reflection on Christian life and practice with stunning analysis of contemporary culture. After a probing introductory chapter on the necessity and complexity of cultural analysis, Kenneson takes up each of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. He explores what each fruit means in its biblical context, then investigates how key traits of late modern Western culture inhibit the development and ripening of each fruit.Life on the Vine is that rare book that will reward the reader on many levels. It may be read as a biblical and theological study, as an inspirational work on spirituality, as incisive cultural criticism and as a practical guide to Christian discipleship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830822195
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	10/01/1999
Pages:	246
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Philip Kenneson is professor of theology and philosophy at Milligan College. He is the coauthor, with James L. Street, of Selling Out the Church and has contributed to Christian Apologetics in the Postmodern World and The Nature of Confession (both IVP).

Table of Contents

Introduction: Being Known by Our Fruit
1. Dying on the Vine?
2. Cultivating Love
in the Midst of Market-Style Exchanges
3. Cultivating Joy
in the Midst of Manufactured Desire
4. Cultivating Peace
in the Midst of Fragmentation
5. Cultivating Patience
in the Midst of Productivity
6. Cultivating Kindness
in the Midst of Self-Sufficiency
7. Cultivating Goodness
in the Midst of Self-Help
8. Cultivating Faithfulness
in the Midst of Impermanence
9. Cultivating Gentleness
in the Midst of Agression
10. Cultivating Self-Control
in the Midst of Addiction

Conclusion: Hoping Against Hope

Notes