Provide a brief summary of the central argument(s) of the book (one paragraph).
In You Are What You Love by James Smith, the reader is immersed into the insight that we are shaped most by what we love most, more so than by what we think or do. We must recognize we live in a world full of liturgies. The author wants one to see liturgies as cultural practices that happen every day in our lives. He explains that liturgical actions have meaning even when our minds do not comprehend or understand the meaning. He believes there is value in participating in worship even if you are not totally into it because it can shape one’s outlook of the world. From going to the mall to getting married, liturgies tell one who and what we love and what is worth loving in life. The book gives examples of how embracing people shapes us as lovers at home, at work and within the Church. Christianity not only informs but reforms how we love others in our life.
List at least (3) key takeaways for you personally, and explain why each one is significant. (Quote as needed.)
One of the key takeaways for me was to constantly examine what motivates me to behave in love rather than in knowledge, to take a hard look at my own habits and realize that love takes practice.
Another takeaway is how to help my family develop a liturgy of the home through storytelling, poetry, music, symbols, and images. Smith states, “Children are ritual animals who absorb the gospel in practices that speak to their imaginations” (Smith, 2016, pg. 129). Theology begins againand again with wonder.
Another takeaway for me is that theology has no justification but faith, hope and charity. Only on the basis of faith, hope and love do we have anything. In theology, our faith, hope and charity seek to receive understanding, assurance, and wisdom, which are gifts of the Holy Spirit. “Formative Christian worship has an intentional, biblical shape about it has a nexus of practices that recalibrate our hearts toward God and His kingdom,” explains Smith (Smith, 2016, pg.78).
Propose at least (2) practical ways this book will impact your ministry. (Be specific!)
My family will observe the rhythms of the Christian Year by celebrating the seasons through music, reading age-appropriate books, and teaching and instilling the meaning of the season.
In any wedding ceremonies I perform, I will help the couple look through a liturgical lens by offering three to five counseling sessions focused on marriage after the big day. Additionally, I will add the rite of the Service of Crowning to the ceremony itself by making sure all in attendance know that the couple is crowned as witnesses, called to sacrifice. Smith says, “our household – our ‘little kingdoms’ – need to be nourished by constant re-centering in the body of Christ,” (Smith, 2016, pg.125). The ceremony will end with the Eucharist to remind everyone present that this is the wedding feast and every time the Table is open it is a renewing of marriage vows.
References
Smith, James (2016) You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press.