Summary

In this episode, Dr. Travis Montgomery hosts Dr. Ronni Kurtz, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Midwestern Seminary, for a conversation on the question: Is everyone a theologian? Together, they explore why theological reflection matters for every Christian, the relationship between intellect and affections, and the importance of cultivating a theological imagination in a world full of distortions. Dr. Kurtz shares his personal journey from conversion to vocational theology, offers practical wisdom for local disciple-makers, and recommends resources for beginners and advanced students alike. The discussion emphasizes that theology is not just for the academy—it’s for the church, for everyday life, and for administering reality to those nearest to us.

About the Podcast

Local Theologians is a podcast for everyday Christians and ministry leaders from Midwestern Seminary's Global Campus. Learn more about online theological education at mbts.edu/global.

Keywords

systematic theology, theological reflection, local theologians, Christian life, intellectual formation, affections, theological imagination, discipleship, Trinity, beatific vision, resources for theology, MBTS, Midwestern Seminary

Takeaways

• Everyone is a theologian in some sense—the question is whether you will be a faithful one.

• Theology is the study of God and all things in relation to God.

• Intellectual growth and spiritual affections should fuel one another.

• Theological reflection helps Christians administer reality in a world of lies.

• Local theology matters—real ministry happens with real neighbors.

• The Trinity is the blueprint of the cosmos and deeply practical for Christian life.

• The beatific vision is the ultimate hope of heaven: seeing God himself.

• Resources and mentors—both living and dead—shape theological maturity.

Sound Bites

• You cannot not practice theology—the question is, will you be a faithful theologian?

• The world needs people who behold the glory of the Lord and administer what is real.

• Local theology is loving your actual neighbor, not just the idea of mankind.

• The Trinity is the map of the cosmos—everything is from Him, through Him, and to Him.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction and Why This Conversation Matters

2. 01:30 Is Everyone a Theologian?

3. 03:03 Defining Theology: Thoughts About God and All Things in Relation to God

4. 06:03 Intellect and Affections: Loving God Through Learning

5. 08:02 Ronni Kurtz’s Journey into Theology

6. 14:54 The Role of Theological Reflection in Christian Life

7. 16:40 Administering Reality and Developing Theological Imagination

8. 21:40 What Is a Local Theologian? Why Local Theology Matters

9. 28:21 The Dislocation of Theology from Local Context

10. 32:32 Recommended Resources for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced

11. 38:41 Upcoming Book: Theology for Life and Other Recommendations

12. 41:12 Handling Disagreement and Cultivating Humility

13. 46:20 Why Trinitarian Theology Is Practical

14. 50:19 What Is the Beatific Vision?

15. 52:15 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement