Introducing Radical Orthodoxy: Mapping a Post-secular Theology (Paperback)

by James K. A. Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Provides a helpful overview of Radical Orthodoxy, highlights its areas of agreement with Reformed theology, and assesses its value as a truly postmodern theology.

About the Author
James K. A. Smith (Ph.D., Villanova University) is associate professor of philosophy and director of the Seminars in Christian Scholarship at Calvin College. He formerly taught at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Active in both the church and the academy, Smith is the author of Speech and Theology (part of the Routledge Radical Orthodoxy series) and The Fall of Interpretation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801027357
• ISBN-13: 978-0801027352
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #96,480 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful introduction to a perplexing topic, February 2, 2005

By	Tedd Steele (Naperville, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Over the last few years there have been many questions and conversations about Radical Orthodoxy. For many, it is a way of thinking that is as confusing as it is insightful. James K. A. Smith shows the promise of Radical Orthodoxy in this very accessible introduction.

Smith aims to summarize what the "theological sensibility" (most of the authors don't want to be considered a movement or school of thought) known as Radical Orthodoxy has been about. He also intends to point out deficiencies in "RO" and suggest avenues for future research. He does all of this from a Reformed point of view, one that is missing in much of RO's work. The book is divided into two parts. The first seeks to place RO within the greater theological and philosophical discussion. It does so by discussing other ways of thinking, outlining RO's main contentions, and giving a brief account of the history of philosophy as RO reads it. The second section more clearly articulates RO's contentions and points the way to future improvements. Chapters deal with politics, epistemology, ontology, and ecclesiology. Smith makes it clear that he finds RO's soteriology and understanding of sin particularly in need of repair.

If you are a student struggling with RO, this book is definately for you. If you are theologian interested in RO, this book will help summarize RO and give a brief critique. If you are involved in RO and want to see it move in different directions, this book is a useful part of the conversation. I highly recommend it.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Radical Orthodoxy Rendered Intelligible, January 15, 2005

By	Nathan P. Gilmour "hardlythelastword" (Bogart, GA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had the opportunity three years ago to read through John Milbank's Theology and Social Theory with a theology professor and a group of dedicated, intelligent seminarians. Without those resources, I would never have entered into the world of Radical Orthodoxy (RO). Now, for those who don't have the opportunity to study with Dr. Norris at Emmanuel School of Religion, James Smith has provided an entrance that is just as helpful (even if it lacks the entertainment value of a Norris class).

Smith, a theologian and philosopher claimed by the Reformed tradition, does a superb job locating RO's project, critique moves, and conceptual refinements among the trends of contemporary academic theology, taking care to include its relationships with oft-ignored intellectual movements such as fundamentalism and the emergent church. He notes the political, philosophical, metaphysical, and ecclesiological swerves that Ward and company make and gives ample attention to several critiques of the movement and to the content of their objections.

Most interesting is Smith's willingness to bring his own Reformed tradition, especially in the person of Dooyeweerd (sp?), into contact with RO and to let each correct the other. He thus presents an excellent model of what help theological traditions might offer one another.

The book itself had no major weaknesses that I could discern but invites much more work that would engage RO from other theological traditions. I can only hope that some Pentecostals and Episcopalians and Evangelicals take up Smith's challenge.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential first step for those interested in RO, October 8, 2006

By	N. Wood "lover of wisdom and beauty" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I read this book two years ago during the summer before my senior year of college, and I found it utterly fascinating. Even at the level of learning I was at then (three years of college philosophy and theology courses), the book was rather difficult at times, so it's definitely only for those at advanced undergraduate or graduate levels. That said, it's still infinitely easier to read that any of John Milbank's own writings, so anyone wanting a relatively easy introduction to the thought of Milbank and other RO thinkers should definitely start hear before picking up any of the source texts themselves.

For those unfamiliar with RO, it is a movement combining the best of contemporary Christian theology, Continental and postmodern philosophy, and ancient and medieval thought, creating a new "post-secular" theology that doesn't simply parrot the findings of the social sciences and secular philosophy, but recasts them in a distinctively Christian mould. For those who, like myself, have looked for something in Continental philosophy of religion that doesn't end up with results that look disappointingly unorthodox, RO definitely merits a look.