In Introducing Radical Orthodoxy, James K. A. Smith plays the role of a cartographer, mapping the landscape of contemporary theology and culture in order to introduce the distinctive voice of Radical Orthodoxy, which is associated with John Milbank, Graham Ward, Catherine Pickstock, and others. Radical Orthodoxy, he argues, has important things to say to both the academy and the church.

Radical Orthodoxy affirms that there is no "secular." All is religious. If that is the case, Smith maintains, then the intellectual framework of all academic disciplines must be distinctively Christian. To deny this, he writes, is to fall victim to the modernist siren song of objective reason, which, in fact, is a pagan song in disguise. Radical Orthodoxy also challenges the church to a radical discipleship, resisting accommodation to a culture dominated by consumerism and violence.

Drawing on Augustine and Aquinas, engaged through the lenses of the Reformed thought of Calvin, Kuyper, and Dooyeweerd, Smith argues that Radical Orthodoxy is in an ideal position to articulate an old-but-new postmodern theology that resonates with the Reformed tradition.

Introducing Radical Orthodoxy will prove to be an invaluable guide, introducing an intellectual movement that challenges the church to consider the role of biblical revelation for all areas of life. It will find its place on the bookshelves of professors, students, and pastors.

James K. A. Smith (Ph.D., Villanova University) is associate professor of philosophy and director of the Seminars in Christian Scholarship at Calvin College. He formerly taught at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Active in both the church and the academy, Smith is the author of Speech and Theology (part of the Routledge Radical Orthodoxy series) and The Fall of Interpretation.

"Most interpreters seem to be captive to their particular discipline--either they are theologians not well-versed in philosophy, or they are philosophers who use theology ironically or do not take theology seriously. Smith is clearly the person to write this book because he understands both philosophy and theology. I found this to be a wonderful read that accomplishes key moves not yet made among the major participants in this conversation."
D. Stephen Long, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

"Smith is always fair and kind to his Radical Orthodoxy interlocutors, yet he is able to distance himself when necessary. Persons wanting to familiarize themselves with the movement will need to read Smith's book to get a clear picture of what drives Radical Orthodoxy theologians and to contextualize their own readings of Radical Orthodoxy authors. I was particularly impressed by Smith's ability to lay out the key elements of Radical Orthodoxy's approach. He writes clearly and understandably, without unnecessarily simplifying the issues involved. This book will no doubt be read with interest, as well as with profit, by theologians, philosophers, students, and other keen individuals."
Hans Boersma, Trinity Western University

"I would have understood Radical Orthodoxy a lot better and a lot sooner if this book had been available earlier. Neither a mere summary nor an uncritical embrace, the book invites us to take this important and dense theological project seriously. Regardless of whether one joins the Radical Orthodoxy ranks, Smith is a highly qualified Virgil to lead us through the labyrinth. In fact, his own deployment of Radical Orthodoxy emphases is an impressive contribution on its own. This is must reading for anyone seeking a better grasp not only of Radical Orthodoxy but also of the potential for a theological rationality that eschews both the canons of secular reason and a dualistic fideism."
Michael S. Horton, professor of theology and apologetics, Westminster Seminary, California

"Smith guides the reader in sparkling and lucid fashion among complex issues and debates without ever a hint of travesty. This is a fine achievement. He opens up an unexpectedly fertile discussion between Radical Orthodoxy and his own Dutch Reformed legacy."
Catherine Pickstock, Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge; author of After Writing

"Smith undertakes a bold, twofold task: to show us the unifying spirit that permeates the perplexing plethora of ideas emerging under the rubric of Radical Orthodoxy and to stage a critical dialogue between that perspective and the Reformed tradition. By performing both tasks so effectively, he has given a wonderful gift to both the academic community and the churches out of which these discourses emerge and to which they are addressed. Smith's voice will command increasing attention and respect by virtue of its harmonious blend of scholarship and passion."
Merold Westphal, distinguished professor of philosophy, Fordham University

"Radical Orthodoxy, like it or hate it (and many do!), is the only interesting phenomenon on the British theological scene. This is the first book-length exposition and critique, reliable in its account, fair in its objections, and itself a valuable intervention in current debates about the crisis in Christian theology."
Fergus Kerr, Regent of Blackfriars Hall, University of Oxford

"Introducing Radical Orthodoxy more than lives up to its title, offering a sympathetic though not uncritical account of an important new theological sensibility that is clearer and more succinct than that given by some of the movement's founders. It is a comprehensive bibliography and a clarion call to post-secular theology. Smith shuttles the reader between Amsterdam, Paris, and Cambridge in an ambitious attempt to improve upon Radical Orthodoxy's vision through a series of diplomatic discussions with Reformed theology, particularly its Dutch franchise. Both Reformed theology and Radical Orthodoxy gain in stature from the conversation. This book is a must-read for students of contemporary theology."
Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School  

"While contributing to the dialogue between Radical Orthodoxy and his own Reformed tradition, Jamie Smith also introduces the movement to a wider audience--not as an expert speaking to novices (they would find it tough sledding) but as a gracious host introducing his guests to one another. He encourages his readers to become better acquainted with this new theological sensibility so that they might do what he has done: strike up a conversation, enter into a real relationship, and perhaps even become friends."
David S. Cunningham, professor of religion, Hope College