James K. A. Smith, "How to Inhabit Time: Understanding the Past, Facing the Future, Living Faithfully Now" (Brazos Press, 2022)
Nov 30, 2022
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Dr. James K. A. Smith, a philosophy professor at Calvin University, discusses his book on temporal awareness and the spiritual practice of memento tempori. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our mortality and synchronizing our lives with the Spirit's rhythm. The conversation explores how history shapes identity and the significance of communal liturgy in navigating personal stories. Smith also highlights the need for contemplation in a distracted world and reformation within spiritual institutions for future growth.
Dr. James Smith emphasizes the spiritual discipline of memento tempori for understanding our past, shaping our future, and living faithfully in the present.
The necessity for institutions to engage with their historical context is highlighted, enabling them to rewrite their narratives with integrity and purpose.
Deep dives
The Dual Influence of Personal and Collective History
The motivation behind the book stems from both a personal journey and a broader societal reckoning with history. The author reflects on his own spiritual experiences, particularly in navigating themes of wholeness and understanding one's past while also addressing the important national discourse around systemic racism prompted by events like George Floyd's murder. This blend of personal and collective struggles highlights the importance of recognizing how individual experiences can mirror larger societal issues, emphasizing the urgency of revisiting and reflecting on history in a meaningful way. By exploring these intertwined threads, the author encourages a deeper examination of our relationship with history and the complexities it presents.
Carrying and Reckoning with History
History is not merely a backdrop but a living entity that individuals and institutions carry with them, influencing their identities and actions. The author emphasizes the importance of reckoning with both the positive and negative aspects of history, urging a balanced approach where individuals acknowledge the blessings and curses passed down through generations. This process of reckoning involves facing uncomfortable truths while also appreciating the gifts embedded within past experiences, suggesting that individuals can grow and move forward by critically engaging with their history. Ultimately, this thoughtful engagement fosters a deeper understanding of one's present and guides future actions.
The Role of Institutions in Shaping History
Institutions, including churches and communities, must recognize their historical context to avoid succumbing to dangerous naivete regarding their past. By understanding that institutions are the products of history, they can better navigate their narratives, identify blind spots, and begin the process of rewriting their stories. This requires an introspective audit, where institutions critically assess their foundational narratives, actively engaging with both the achievements and failures of their histories. Recognizing the complexity of their past empowers institutions to move forward with integrity and a sense of purpose, allowing them to serve their communities more effectively.
Liturgy and the Need for Continuous Reflection
Liturgy serves as a vital connection to the past while also demanding contextual adaptation for the present. The author posits that while preserving the core elements of ritual enhances community ties and offers stability, continuous reflection on what those liturgical practices mean is essential. It is crucial for communities to discern and retain the meaningful aspects of their traditions while reforming those that may exclude or harm others. This balance of maintaining continuity with the past and allowing for critical engagement ensures that traditions remain relevant and enriching for all members of the community.
In this episode, we chat with Dr. James Smith, a professor of philosophy at Calvin University about his most recent book How to Inhabit Time: Understanding the Past, Facing the Future, Living Faithfully Now (Brazos Press, 2022). This text encourages us to cultivate the spiritual discipline of memento tempori, a temporal awareness of the Spirit's presence -- indebted to a past, oriented toward the future, and faithful in the present. To gain spiritual appreciation for our mortality. To synchronize our heart-clocks with the tempo of the Spirit, which changes in the different seasons of life. Integrating popular culture, biblical exposition, and meditation, Smith provides insights for pastoring, counseling, spiritual formation, politics, and public life.
Our conversation focuses on institutions and individuals reckoning with the past and discerning how to live in the light and shadows of the past, the role of liturgy, and finding stability with our community admits rewriting our own stories.
