Paul, Thomas Aquinas, and James K. A. Smith on the Role of Reason in Human Formation - by K Lauriston Smith (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book argues that Paul's seminal thesis on human moral formation in Romans 12:1-2 can be best understood.

Book Synopsis

This book argues that Paul's seminal thesis on human moral formation in Romans 12:1-2 can be best understood when it is interpreted through the lens of a philosophical and theological anthropology that merges the views of Thomas Aquinas and James K. A. Smith.

This view claims that Paul's admonition to renew the mind in Romans 12:2 is best accomplished when human reason is understood to be the operation of the unified human soul that integrates the intellectual, sensitive, and appetitive powers within a specific socio-cultural context.

Review Quotes

A powerful and highly stimulating account of Pauline anthropology and intellectual virtue! Smith accomplishes the difficult task of drawing upon diverse fields of study in order to make a strong argument for the role of rationality and reasoning in Paul's moral discourse.
Joshua Jipp, Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Smith's book is a much-needed biblically and philosophically attuned exploration of the role of reason in human formation. It is a bold and constructive call to "reenchant reason" that draws upon a wide array of historical and contemporary sources, all for the sake of greater biblical understanding of the Pauline theme of human transformation by way of the mind's renewal.
Ross D. Inman, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

This book is a serious, careful, and creative exploration of the dynamics of moral and spiritual formation. Exhaustively researched, charitable but not uncritical, K. Lauriston Smith tackles some of the thorniest issues for a contemporary, holistic account of formation. This book represents an advance in the conversation.
James K.A. Smith, Professor of Philosophy, Calvin University

About the Author

K. Lauriston Smith is adjunct instructor at Grand Canyon University and currently serves churches in the Polish Baptist Union in the Katowice Urban Conglomeration.