You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit - Study Notes
You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit - James K. A. Smith
Introduction
The concept of worship as integral to human identity.
The importance of love and desire in understanding discipleship.
The book focuses on practical habits as formative spiritual practices.
Preface
Influential contributions from various scholars, highlighting the book's significance.
Importance of cultivating the imagination and desires through worship.
Chapter 1: To Worship Is Human
Central question: "What do you want?"
First question from Jesus in the Gospel of John (John 1:38).
Illustrates the core of discipleship and identity.
The heart as the wellspring of life (Prov. 4:23).
Discipleship involves curating one’s loves and affections.
Discipleship is rooted in desire, not merely knowledge.
Jesus as the transformative teacher of our loves.
Following Jesus entails alignment of our desires with God's.
Chapter 2: You Might Not Love What You Think
Exploration of secular liturgies that shape desires.
Tarkovsky’s film Stalker as a metaphor for true desires.
Characters must confront unarticulated longings.
Daily habits and actions reveal true desires and loves.
Importance of recognizing the difference between conscious and unconscious loves.
The adaptive unconscious shapes behavior more than conscious thought.
Critical questioning of our modern models of learning and knowledge acquisition.
Chapter 3: The Spirit Meets You Where You Are
Examines cultural settings where habits form.
The example of everyday practices, including eating habits, as liturgical formations.
Spiritual hungers and the power of habit in shaping desires.
How church practices must encompass disciplines that train the heart and desires toward God's ends.
The holistic model of faith formation through the Spirit in worship.
Chapter 4: What Story Are You In?
The narrative arc of Christian worship as a framework for identity formation.
The four chapters of worship:
Gathering: The call to enter God’s presence.
Listening: Receiving God's words and instructions (law and gospel).
Communing: Engaging with God through sacraments.
Sending: Empowering the congregation to live out God's commission.
Importance of worship as a means of character formation and community bonding.
Chapter 5: Guard Your Heart
The significance of home rituals and family dynamics in shaping love and values.
The role of baptism and marriage liturgies in creating community.
Observational learning through the household environment.
Encourage regular introspection and audits of family rituals.
Assess household routines through a liturgical lens for their formative influence.
Chapter 6: Teach Your Children Well
The necessity of formative practices for spiritual growth in children.
Recognition of the church as a primary influence on the formation of young hearts.
Examples of using engaging, ritualistic practices in children's ministry that stimulate curiosity and worship.
Encouraging family-centered practices that integrate worship into daily life.
Chapter 7: You Make What You Want
Exploration of vocation and cultural mandate.
Three verbs summarizing the missional aspect of creation: image, unfold, occupy.
Image: Reflecting God's character through our actions.
Unfold: Cultivating potential in creation.
Occupy: Living out our role in the created world.
Understanding desire and intention behind our work in every profession.
The necessity for practices that shape this vocational calling.
Conclusion
Summation of how worship nourishes our identity, shaping not just thought but also practice and love.
The transformational power of historical Christian worship as a foundation for discipleship and identity formation.
Further Reading
Lists additional academic works and resources that expand on the themes in the book.
Acknowledgments
Personal reflections on influences and support received during the writing process.
Recognition of influential figures in faith-based writing.