Smith, James K. A. The Devil Reads Derrida and Other Essays on the University, the Church, and the Arts. William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2009. ISBN: 8780802864079.
Meet the Author
James K. A. Smith is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Calvin College and the Executive Director of The Society of Christian Philosophers. Smith is a prolific writer and the author of several books including Introducing Radical Orthodoxy and Who’s Afraid of Postmodernism? For additional information visit his faculty profile or read one of his blogs: Fors Clavigera or What I’m Reading.
Book Basics
The Devil Reads Derrida and Other Essays on the University, the Church, and the Arts is a collection of twenty-nine of Smith’s essays. The reprinted essays represent Smith’s recent writing highlighting his reformed understanding of and response to a variety of topics of interest. This volume represents his ongoing commitment to bring the academy to the church and to facilitate mutual learning in the process. Smith is troubled by the religious right and uncomfortable with the liberal left. He asks questions that need to be asked even if no clear or uniform answers can be easily found.
So What?
Very few Sunday School or small group studies for adults focus on philosophy or seek to understand how postmodernity impacts Christian discipleship. Smith’s underlying assertion that there must be greater dialogue between the church and the academy is important for the future of both entities. What is your congregation doing to encourage such sharing and mutual learning?