Desiring a Kingdom: The Clinical Implications of James K. A. Smith’s Theological Anthropology

Abstract

This article will engage in theology-directed integration. It will do so by first examining the theological anthropology of philosopher theologian James K. A. Smith. Smith presents a philosophical/theological anthropology of humans as embodied creatures embedded within cultural practices/liturgies. These liturgies implicitly shape and form the telos of human desire and contain ethics of ultimacy (e.g., image of the good life). In other words, liturgies shape the telos of one’s desire/love and what one ultimately worships. Liturgies are not neutral but aim one toward desiring a particular kingdom. Finally, the import of this theology will be explored as it relates to the clinical integrative practice of psychotherapy.