Sign In

James Smith

Professor of Philosophy at Calvin College; Editor, Comment magazine; Author

James K.A. Smith is a prominent Canadian-American philosopher, currently serving as a Senior Fellow at Cardus, a think tank focused on the renewal of North American social architecture. He also holds the position of editor of Comment magazine, which aims to engage the public in discussions about culture and faith.123

Educational Background

Smith was born on October 9, 1970, in Embro, Ontario. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Waterloo and Emmaus Bible College. He earned his Master of Philosophy in philosophical theology from the Institute for Christian Studies in 1995 and subsequently received his PhD from Villanova University in 1999.24

Academic and Professional Career

In addition to his role at Cardus, Smith is a Professor of Philosophy at Calvin University, where he holds the Gary & Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology & Worldview. His academic interests include philosophical theology, continental philosophy, hermeneutics, postmodernism, and the philosophy of social sciences.124 Smith has authored several influential books, including:

  • Who's Afraid of Postmodernism? (2006)
  • Desiring the Kingdom (2009)
  • You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit (2016)
  • Awaiting the King: Reforming Public Theology (2017)
  • The Nicene Option: An Incarnational Phenomenology (2021)

He is also recognized for his contributions to popular writing in various prestigious publications such as Christianity Today, The New York Times, and USA Today.12

Personal Life

Smith resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his wife Deanna. They have four adult children and are active members of Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church.1

Through his work, Smith has become an influential public intellectual and cultural critic, known for bridging the gap between academia and broader societal discussions.24

Highlights

Oct 6 · en.wikipedia.org
James K. A. Smith - Wikipedia
James K. A. Smith - Wikipedia
Oct 1 · calvin.edu
James K.A. Smith | Calvin University
The corpus of James K. A. Smith: Worldview made flesh
The corpus of James K. A. Smith: Worldview made flesh
Awaiting The King: An Interview With James K. A. Smith
Mar 1 · comment.org
Editorial: The Lost Art of Persuasion - Comment Magazine

Related Questions

What are some of James K.A. Smith's most influential books?
How has James K.A. Smith's work influenced contemporary philosophy?
What is the focus of James K.A. Smith's book "You Are What You Love"?
How does James K.A. Smith's work address the topic of postmodernism?
What are the main themes in James K.A. Smith's "Desiring the Kingdom"?
James Smith
James Smith, photo 1
James Smith, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan