“My project is to revive the ancient art of philosophy as spiritual counsel. Philosophy matters only if it teaches us how to live, how to be human.”
—From How To Inhabit Time: Understanding the Past, Facing the Future, Living Faithfully Now
Latest Book – Coming March 2026
Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark
Mysticism, Art, and the Path of Unknowing
A philosopher journeys back to the mystics to learn how to live with uncertainty in the twenty-first century
How do we live when we don’t know what to believe, or who to believe, or how we could even know? In this deeply felt book, philosopher James K. A. Smith explores how radical uncertainty can be liberating, opening us to another way of being. The pain of his own profound uncertainty led Smith to a surprising source for modern consolation: the mystical experiences of St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross, and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing. These mystics testify to a deeper truth beneath distraction, anxiety, and fear: love.
Drawing on ancient traditions of contemplation as well as on contemporary novels, poetry, film, and paintings, Smith speaks to the fundamental yearnings that persist in late modernity, including the philosophical quest for knowledge and certainty. He shows us how the gifts of the Christian contemplative tradition and the riches of creative works embody a liberating spirituality that recovers the fullness of being human.
In bringing a philosopher’s questions to the mystics, Smith brings a mystical heart back to philosophy.
Where to pre-order:
Make Your Home in This Luminous Dark – Book Tour 2026
NEW YORK
Sunday, March 22, 10:00am
Discovery Class, Trinity Church, 89 Broadway
“The Power of the Mystics: How Contemplation Cultivates Resistance”
Thursday, March 26, 5:30-7:30pm
America Magazine, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 11th floor
In conversation with Sam Sawyer, S.J., editor in chief
Wine & cheese reception
[This is, technically, an “invitation only” event. If you would like to attend this event, contact me using this form (select “General Contact”) and communicate your interest.]
Saturday, March 28, time tbd
Art at the Parish, Calvary St. George’s Chapel, 4 Rutherford Place
In conversation with Andrew Jacob Smith
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GRAND RAPIDS
Friday, April 3, 6:00pm
First Friday Local Author Series, Books & Mortar, 966 Cherry St SE
Friday, April 17, 7:00pm
Sherman Street Church, 1000 Sherman Street SE
In conversation with Jeff Chu, hosted by Lisa Ann Cockrel
Books sales supported by Books & Mortar; book signing to follow.
This event is FREE but you are asked to register via Eventbrite.
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BOSTON
Friday, April 10
Harvard Divinity School, hosted by Wayfare
In conversation with Zachary Davis, editor in chief
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AUSTIN
Thursday, April 23, 6:30pm (reception); 7:00pm event
First Light Books, 4300 Speedway
In conversation with Zac Koons
Friday, April 24, 6:00-9:00pm
All Saints Presbyterian, 7808 Rialto Blvd
Cross & Culture Lecture: “Cultivating Contemplation in a World of Distraction”
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CHICAGO
Tuesday, May 5, 4:00pm
Seminary Co-op Bookstore, 5751 S. Woodlawn
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DENVER
Wednesday, May 6, 7:00pm
Downing House, 3680 S Downing Street, Englewood, CO
Thursday, May 7, 7:00pm
Platt Park Church, 1601 S Clarkson St, Denver, CO
Sponsored by the Denver Institute
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[Currently in development: Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. Stay tuned for updates.]
Quid Amo
ON SUBSTACK
The enthusiasms, musings, and observations of James K.A. Smith. Mostly books, music, and film. Expect no punditry here. Look elsewhere for outrage.
About James K. A. Smith
James K. A. Smith is a popular speaker and the award-winning author of a number of influential books, including Desiring the Kingdom, How (Not) to Be Secular, You Are What You Love, On the Road with Saint Augustine, and How to Inhabit Time. He is a professor of philosophy at Calvin University. As a scholar, Smith has embraced the vocation of being a “translator” of philosophy for wider audiences. As a cultural critic and commentator, he explores the tensions of modern life, inviting readers and audiences to more intentional practices of faith and flourishing.