Desiring the Kingdom

Desiring the Kingdom reframes Christian education and formation through the lens of worship and liturgical practices. Smith challenges the notion that humans are primarily thinking beings, arguing instead that we are fundamentally creatures of desire and love. The book examines how secular institutions and cultural practices function as "liturgies" that shape human desires and behavior. Through analysis of shopping malls, sports venues, and universities, Smith demonstrates how these spaces and rituals form people's ultimate loves and commitments. Smith proposes that Christian education must focus on reforming students' desires rather than simply transmitting information. He outlines how Christian worship practices can counter secular liturgies and orient people toward the Kingdom of God. The work presents a radical critique of modern educational philosophy while offering a constructive vision for Christian formation. At its core, this is a book about how humans are shaped into particular kinds of people through embodied practices and rituals.

Readers emphasize Smith's insights on how habits and practices shape human desires more than intellectual beliefs. Many note the book changed their view of education and worship. Positive reviews focus on: - Clear explanations of complex philosophical concepts - Practical examples from daily life and pop culture - Fresh perspective on formation and liturgy - Applications for educators and church leaders Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style in early chapters - Repetitive arguments - Limited concrete solutions offered - Overreliance on philosophical references Ratings: Goodreads: 4.15/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (190+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Made me rethink how I structure both my classroom and my home" - Goodreads reviewer "First 50 pages were a slog but worth pushing through" - Amazon reviewer "Changed how I view everything from shopping malls to church services" - Goodreads reviewer

You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith A philosophical exploration of how human desires shape beliefs, habits, and worship practices in both religious and secular contexts.

After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre An examination of how modern moral philosophy lost its way and the role of practices and tradition in forming moral character.

The Technological Society by Jacques Ellul An analysis of how modern technology and technical processes shape human behavior and cultural practices beyond conscious awareness.

Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren A connection between everyday routines and spiritual formation that reveals how daily habits form human loves and longings.

The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard An investigation of how bodily practices and physical habits contribute to spiritual transformation and character development.

📚 James K.A. Smith wrote this book as the first volume in his Cultural Liturgies trilogy, followed by "Imagining the Kingdom" and "Awaiting the King." 🎓 The book challenges traditional views of Christian education by arguing that humans are primarily driven by desire and imagination rather than just intellectual knowledge. ⚡ Smith draws inspiration from diverse sources, including Augustine's "Confessions," modern shopping mall architecture, and secular marketing strategies to illustrate how cultural practices shape our desires. 🏛️ The author uses the term "liturgy" in an expanded sense, arguing that secular institutions like sports stadiums, shopping malls, and universities have their own worship-like rituals that form our identities. 🔄 Smith proposes that the average person participates in around 800 "liturgical" practices per month - both religious and secular - that shape their ultimate desires and worldview.