Kenneson, Philip D. 1999. "Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community." Downers Grove, Ill: Inter Varsity Press.
INTRODUCTION
Philip Kenneson has written another work, Selling Out the Church with James Street which appears to offer some of the basis for Kenneson’s perspective for Life on the Vine. Kenneson presents a case that the western church (in general) is locked in step with the climate and culture of its environment: market-driven and self-centered. The writer begins with a basis for his argument with a description and careful argument against the “dominant culture”(25) and the susceptibility of the western church to this pervasive influence. The argument is filled out with a study of the Fruit of the Spirit as presented in Galatians 5:22-23. Each chapter (two through ten) unpacks the particular aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit and offers practical steps to counter the dominant cultural antithesis of each virtue.
PROACTIVE QUESTIONS
My review of this book led me to ask the following questions:
1. Is this just another book that attacks the successful communities of faith?
Rationale for Question: I recently did a study on aspects of evangelism in the western church really seeking some ideas for effective presentation of the gospel and found instead a barrage against the successful churches – those who were winning large numbers to Christ. At first, I bought into this anti-megachurch thinking until I read more of Bill Hybels, Rick Warren and others. Certainly arguments can be made against particular cultural patterns, but the desire of many of these churches is simply to see hearts and lives changed for the honor of God. I wondered about Kenneson’s intention. As I read more, I learn that Kenneson sees danger in feeding the selfish aspects of marketing church and the gospel. I can understand the call he makes for followers of Christ to be loyal to Christ which he says is “a commitment that makes relative all other loyalties and allegiances”(23). I am challenged by the manner with which he opens each virtue of the Fruit of the Spirit and points out the cultural dangers that run opposite to each. I accept his call for discernment of the dominant culture and believe whether we consider the mega-church movement to be swayed by the dominate culture or not, his counsel is wise.
2. How is this work helpful to understanding the cultivation of the Fruit of the Spirit in the believer and in the community?
Rationale for Question: The operative word for each chapter from two to ten is “Cultivating.” Cultivating the specific virtues of the Fruit of the Spirit is interesting in that the call Paul makes here is that the Fruit of the Spirit is what is manifest in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit. God’s Presence changes the heart and life of the follower of Jesus so that the Fruit is obvious. Yet, along with this Presence of God in the life of the believer as witnessed by the evidence of these virtues, the command of Paul is “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). Kenneson offers practical counsel for the community of faith, as well as the individual follower on how to “keep step” with the Spirit of God in standing strong against the forces of the dominant culture.
3. Are the metaphors of cultivating fruitfulness and agricultural images forced?
Rationale for Question: As noted above, the Fruit of the Spirit has been taught as the natural overflow of the Spirit of God and His Presence in the life of the believer. Others see the evidence of the Spirit of God. The fact that Kenneson introduces most of his chapters with the idea of cultivating had me perplexed. I see now with a measure of understanding. I appreciate an explanation that Kenneson provides early on where he notes that “horticultural” metaphors are rich for the Christian in that they offer a rich balance of both “work” and “grace”. I see in my own ministry this delicate balance. Certainly, if it weren’t for those moments where I can see with some confidence the Hand of the Lord moving, I would be hard-pressed to continue. The wonderful promise of 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 is that God gives the increase when the faithful ones sow, nurture, water and care for the potential that is beginning to sprout. It is a lot of labor and, thank God, a lot more of His Grace!
SUMMARY OR SYNTHESIS
I bring a mixed reaction to this writing. I will not dismiss Kenneson harshly, although at first I thought perhaps this would be another writing that will bash the church. I have grown cynical toward such writings and need to be careful not to dismiss them out of hand. I discovered instead some great value in the significant truth Kenneson has presented: culture is powerful in shaping life and most often the dominant culture runs contrary to Christ and His Gospel. The call for discernment needs to be heeded. I see this need strongly in my current ministry. The pull of culture is strong and wanting to have the best and the brightest is common among churches. Some of this is all right when the incentive is truly to honor Christ. Most often, I fear, the motive is far short of this and summed up in congregational selfishness.
I am not sold completely on the ability of the believer to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit, although I do see the need to stand contrary to the forces that would attempt to mold the followers of Jesus into the image of the dominant culture. I personally believe being well connected to Jesus Christ and the life-change that He brings is the only true manifestation of His Spirit’s Fruit. Attempts to cultivate the tender virtues really are personal growth issues, learning value in Christian disciplines and matters of spiritual maturity. The cultivation of the virtues are likely to help lead to the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit, but it can never be forced, coerced or duplicated by some behavioral modification.
INTRODUCTION
Philip Kenneson has written another work, Selling Out the Church with James Street which appears to offer some of the basis for Kenneson’s perspective for Life on the Vine. Kenneson presents a case that the western church (in general) is locked in step with the climate and culture of its environment: market-driven and self-centered. The writer begins with a basis for his argument with a description and careful argument against the “dominant culture”(25) and the susceptibility of the western church to this pervasive influence. The argument is filled out with a study of the Fruit of the Spirit as presented in Galatians 5:22-23. Each chapter (two through ten) unpacks the particular aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit and offers practical steps to counter the dominant cultural antithesis of each virtue.
PROACTIVE QUESTIONS
My review of this book led me to ask the following questions:
1. Is this just another book that attacks the successful communities of faith?
Rationale for Question: I recently did a study on aspects of evangelism in the western church really seeking some ideas for effective presentation of the gospel and found instead a barrage against the successful churches – those who were winning large numbers to Christ. At first, I bought into this anti-megachurch thinking until I read more of Bill Hybels, Rick Warren and others. Certainly arguments can be made against particular cultural patterns, but the desire of many of these churches is simply to see hearts and lives changed for the honor of God. I wondered about Kenneson’s intention. As I read more, I learn that Kenneson sees danger in feeding the selfish aspects of marketing church and the gospel. I can understand the call he makes for followers of Christ to be loyal to Christ which he says is “a commitment that makes relative all other loyalties and allegiances”(23). I am challenged by the manner with which he opens each virtue of the Fruit of the Spirit and points out the cultural dangers that run opposite to each. I accept his call for discernment of the dominant culture and believe whether we consider the mega-church movement to be swayed by the dominate culture or not, his counsel is wise.
2. How is this work helpful to understanding the cultivation of the Fruit of the Spirit in the believer and in the community?
Rationale for Question: The operative word for each chapter from two to ten is “Cultivating.” Cultivating the specific virtues of the Fruit of the Spirit is interesting in that the call Paul makes here is that the Fruit of the Spirit is what is manifest in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit produces the fruit. God’s Presence changes the heart and life of the follower of Jesus so that the Fruit is obvious. Yet, along with this Presence of God in the life of the believer as witnessed by the evidence of these virtues, the command of Paul is “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). Kenneson offers practical counsel for the community of faith, as well as the individual follower on how to “keep step” with the Spirit of God in standing strong against the forces of the dominant culture.
3. Are the metaphors of cultivating fruitfulness and agricultural images forced?
Rationale for Question: As noted above, the Fruit of the Spirit has been taught as the natural overflow of the Spirit of God and His Presence in the life of the believer. Others see the evidence of the Spirit of God. The fact that Kenneson introduces most of his chapters with the idea of cultivating had me perplexed. I see now with a measure of understanding. I appreciate an explanation that Kenneson provides early on where he notes that “horticultural” metaphors are rich for the Christian in that they offer a rich balance of both “work” and “grace”. I see in my own ministry this delicate balance. Certainly, if it weren’t for those moments where I can see with some confidence the Hand of the Lord moving, I would be hard-pressed to continue. The wonderful promise of 1 Corinthians 3:7-9 is that God gives the increase when the faithful ones sow, nurture, water and care for the potential that is beginning to sprout. It is a lot of labor and, thank God, a lot more of His Grace!
SUMMARY OR SYNTHESIS
I bring a mixed reaction to this writing. I will not dismiss Kenneson harshly, although at first I thought perhaps this would be another writing that will bash the church. I have grown cynical toward such writings and need to be careful not to dismiss them out of hand. I discovered instead some great value in the significant truth Kenneson has presented: culture is powerful in shaping life and most often the dominant culture runs contrary to Christ and His Gospel. The call for discernment needs to be heeded. I see this need strongly in my current ministry. The pull of culture is strong and wanting to have the best and the brightest is common among churches. Some of this is all right when the incentive is truly to honor Christ. Most often, I fear, the motive is far short of this and summed up in congregational selfishness.
I am not sold completely on the ability of the believer to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit, although I do see the need to stand contrary to the forces that would attempt to mold the followers of Jesus into the image of the dominant culture. I personally believe being well connected to Jesus Christ and the life-change that He brings is the only true manifestation of His Spirit’s Fruit. Attempts to cultivate the tender virtues really are personal growth issues, learning value in Christian disciplines and matters of spiritual maturity. The cultivation of the virtues are likely to help lead to the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit, but it can never be forced, coerced or duplicated by some behavioral modification.
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