Dr. James K. A. Smith

James K. A. Smith James K. A. Smith is a professor of philosophy at Calvin College

James K. A. Smith is a professor of philosophy at Calvin College, where he holds the Gary and Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology and Worldview. Trained as a philosopher with a focus on contemporary French thought, Smith has expanded on that scholarly platform to become an engaged public intellectual and cultural critic. An award-winning author and widely-traveled speaker, he has emerged as a thought leader with a unique gift of translation, building bridges between the academy, society, and the church.

The author of many influential books, Smith also regularly writes for magazines and newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Slate, First Things, Christianity Today, Books & Culture, and The Hedgehog Review. He serves as editor-in-chief of Comment magazine.

Speaker’s Bureau

James K. A. Smith has spoken with the Trinity Forum on such topics as public theology and spiritual habit formation, as well as cultural liturgies. Example speaking engagements include:

“Reforming Public Theology” available here: https://youtu.be/rCDbFhjLCLw

“The Vanishing American Adult” available here: https://youtu.be/exPKSworpa0

Publications and Scholarly Work

101 Key Terms in Philosophy and Their Importance for Theology (2004)

After Modernity?: Secularity, Globalization, and the Reenchantment of the World (2012)

All Things Hold Together in Christ (2018)

Awaiting the Kingdom: Reforming Public Theology (2017)

Cultural Liturgies Boxed Set (2017)

Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation (2009)

The Devil Reads Derrida: And Other Essays on the University, the Church, Politics, and the Arts (2009)

Discipleship in the Present Tense: Reflections on Faith and Culture (2013)

Evolution and the Fall (2017)