Just Published! Fruit of the Spirit: Lessons from Barney Rubble

Imagine such virtues as love, peace, and kindness serving as an underlying theme to a TV program watched by children of all ages. Imagine also that such a program illustrates these virtues and more, yet has no tie to any particular religion or philosophy. Imagine finally that such a program has been a part of American pop culture for over a quarter century. Sound improbable? Think again.

All of us remember the Flintstones and the lovable sidekick to Fred, Barney Rubble. In his new book Living the Fruit of the Spirit: Lessons from Barney Rubble, published by iUniverse, Inc., Christian writer and Psychologist Dr. Kevin Fontaine demonstrates that Barney Rubble is an excellent role model of how to live a happy, Spirit-Filled Life and shows the reader how we, too, can benefit from the lessons offered by this fine example of a joyful and virtuous existence.

The core of the book involves the 9 spiritual gifts as described by Saint Paul: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The book goes on to give some insights into the nature of the Holy Spirit, how He enters our lives, and how that experience can change us for the better. Dr. Fontaine also dissects each of the 9 Fruits of the Spirit and illustrates how they are exemplified in Barneys attitude and behavior. Using personal anecdotes and examples from specific Flintstones episodes, Dr. Fontaine makes a strong case that Barney Rubble is a fine example to emulate as we all try to become better people and secure for ourselves the type of life we want; one filled with joy, peace, and contentment.

My hope is that by presenting Christian-centered modes of conduct and showing how they are embodied in the attitude and conduct of Barney Rubble, this book will provide a unique and entertaining blueprint for how to forge a happy and productive Spirit-Filled life, says Dr. Fontaine.