James K.A. Smith

James K.A. Smith is a Canadian-American philosopher and professor of philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His work focuses on contemporary continental philosophy, Christian philosophy, and the intersection of faith, culture, and secular thought. Smith has authored numerous influential books including "Desiring the Kingdom," "How (Not) to Be Secular," and "You Are What You Love." His writing explores cultural liturgies, formation of desire, and secular vs. religious worldviews through a philosophical and theological lens. His academic contributions span phenomenology, hermeneutics, and postmodern philosophy, with particular attention to thinkers like Augustine, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Charles Taylor. Smith regularly writes for mainstream publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Christianity Today. Beyond his academic work, Smith serves as editor-in-chief of Image journal and holds the Gary & Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology & Worldview at Calvin University. His books have been translated into multiple languages and are used in universities and seminaries worldwide.

Readers appreciate Smith's ability to translate complex philosophical concepts into accessible language, particularly in "How (Not) to Be Secular" and "You Are What You Love." Many reviews note his skill at bridging academic and popular writing. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of difficult philosophers like Charles Taylor - Integration of cultural analysis with theological insights - Practical applications for spiritual formation - Quality of writing and engaging style What readers disliked: - Repetitive points across books - Academic jargon in some sections - Length of philosophical explanations - Reformed theological bias Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "You Are What You Love" - 4.2/5 (2,800+ ratings) - "How (Not) to Be Secular" - 4.1/5 (1,900+ ratings) - "Desiring the Kingdom" - 4.2/5 (3,100+ ratings) Amazon: - Average 4.5/5 across major titles - Readers frequently cite helpful study guides and discussion questions - Common critique: "Could have been shorter without losing impact"

You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit (2016) Examines how liturgical practices and daily routines shape human desires and spiritual formation.

Desiring the Kingdom (2009) Analyzes how cultural practices function as secular liturgies and explores Christian education through the lens of worship and desire.

How (Not) to Be Secular (2014) Provides an accessible reading guide to Charles Taylor's "A Secular Age," explaining the shift from religious to secular society.

On the Road with Saint Augustine (2019) Explores Augustine's insights on identity, freedom, ambition, and belonging in relation to contemporary life.

Cultural Liturgies Trilogy (2009-2017) A three-volume theological work examining cultural formation, consisting of Desiring the Kingdom, Imagining the Kingdom, and Awaiting the King.

Who's Afraid of Postmodernism? (2006) Interprets three postmodern philosophers—Derrida, Lyotard, and Foucault—in relation to Christian theology and practice.

Thinking in Tongues (2010) Explores Pentecostal contributions to Christian philosophy and worldview formation.

Letters to a Young Calvinist (2010) Introduces Reformed theology through personal letters addressing common questions and misconceptions.

The Devil Reads Derrida (2009) Collection of essays examining the intersection of faith, culture, and politics.

How to Inherit a Kingdom (2022) Analyzes the Sermon on the Mount as a guide to Christian formation and discipleship.

Charles Taylor writes about secularism, modernity, and how belief systems shape human experience. His philosophical work on the "secular age" forms a foundation for many of Smith's key ideas.

David Brooks examines cultural and social trends through moral philosophy and sociology. His analysis of character formation and social institutions connects with Smith's interests in habit and cultural liturgies.

Nicholas Wolterstorff explores Reformed epistemology and the relationship between faith and public life. His work on justice and education parallels Smith's focus on Christian formation in secular contexts.

Marilynne Robinson writes both fiction and essays dealing with faith, education, and American society. Her Reformed theological perspective and analysis of culture align with Smith's approach to Christian thinking.

Alasdair MacIntyre develops virtue ethics and critiques modern moral philosophy. His concepts of practices and tradition inform Smith's understanding of how habits and communities shape human flourishing.