VOCÊ É AQUILO QUE AMA | RE:VIEW

Overview of "Você é Aquilo que Ama"

Introduction to the Book

• The review discusses the book "Você é Aquilo que Ama" by James K.A. Smith, highlighting its central idea and critical observations.

• The book has gained significant attention online, particularly due to its association with a reading club that fosters community among readers.

Key Themes and Arguments

• The author emphasizes that our loves shape who we are more than our thoughts or actions; this perspective is rooted in an Augustinian view of love and virtue.

• Tim Keller's summary introduces the concept that sin is disordered love while virtue is rightly ordered love, suggesting transformation comes from changing what we adore.

Human Nature and Worship

• Smith argues humans are inherently liturgical beings, meaning our loves direct us toward worship, which shapes our identity and daily habits.

• He critiques reductionist views of humanity as merely rational beings, advocating for a recognition of the heart's role in guiding life choices.

Vision and Direction in Life

• Every individual possesses a vision or goal (referred to as "telos") that influences their desires and actions; this vision must align with God's kingdom.

• Our cultural practices and rituals significantly influence how we perceive our life's purpose ("telos"), shaping both identity and habits.

Discipleship Through Worship

• Central to Christian formation is corporate worship, which helps cultivate a correct understanding of God's kingdom as the ultimate goal in life.

• Smith proposes a holistic approach to discipleship that integrates emotional engagement alongside intellectual learning, moving beyond mere information accumulation.

Understanding Secular Liturgies

The Role of Secular Liturgies

• James discusses the importance of recognizing secular liturgies in our surroundings, emphasizing that understanding these influences is crucial for personal growth.

• He uses shopping malls as a primary example, illustrating how their design and offerings shape desires and perceptions, ultimately molding our identity and values.

Worship and Identity Formation

• The third chapter focuses on worship's significance in shaping Christian identity, reiterating the foundational role of liturgy in defining who we are as Christians.

• The author argues that the way we worship directly impacts our love for God and shapes our life practices as Christians.

Consumerism in Worship

• James critiques churches that adopt consumerist liturgies akin to shopping malls, suggesting this leads to a distorted view of God's kingdom.

• He warns against transforming disciples into mere customers through church practices, which can divert focus from genuine spiritual growth.

The Importance of Christian Liturgy

Narrative Arc and Prayer

• In Chapter 4, the discussion shifts to how Christian liturgy informs habits and perspectives through its narrative arc.

• The author connects this concept to family life, child-rearing, and vocational practices, stressing that liturgical awareness can recalibrate our hearts towards God.

Living Out Liturgical Principles

• Emphasizing practical application, James encourages readers to integrate Christian liturgical principles into daily life to counteract secular influences.

Critical Observations on Doctrine

Concerns About Prioritization

• While praising the book's insights, some critical observations arise regarding the perceived prioritization of practice over doctrine within the author's arguments.

Balancing Sentimentality with Knowledge

• A quote from page 25 highlights a concern about modern churches being led by sentiment rather than sound doctrine.

• James suggests that while habits influence worship experiences significantly, doctrinal foundations should not be overlooked in shaping one's love for God.

Conclusion on Recalibration

• The need for a balanced approach is emphasized; both doctrine and liturgy play essential roles in recalibrating one’s heart towards God.

Discussion on Liturgical Practices and Doctrine

Observations on Liturgical Focus

• The speaker notes a central theme regarding the emphasis on liturgies, suggesting that while it is important, there should be caution against overemphasis.

• There is concern about the prioritization of liturgical practices over doctrinal teachings, indicating a potential imbalance in focus.

• The speaker acknowledges their appreciation for liturgy but believes it should not overshadow other essential aspects of faith.

Critique of Infant Baptism

• A significant point raised is the defense of infant baptism, which the speaker disagrees with, arguing it places liturgy above scriptural foundations.

• The speaker emphasizes that they do not view infant baptism as a biblically mandated act necessary for spiritual formation in children.

• They express agreement with certain educational practices within children's ministry but maintain that infant baptism does not align with their biblical interpretation.

Call for Maturity in Reading

• The speaker stresses the importance of maturity when engaging with the book's content to avoid misinterpretation or misuse.

• They warn against concluding that doctrinal teaching is unimportant based solely on initial readings without deeper understanding.

• Emphasizing scripture's role in grounding love and doctrine, they argue against using the book to diminish doctrinal significance.

Concerns About Liturgical Supervaluation

• There’s a cautionary note regarding an exaggerated valuation of liturgy, warning readers not to assume one specific form of worship is universally applicable or biblically mandated.

• The speaker advocates for flexibility within worship practices rather than rigid adherence to a singular liturgical format.

Final Thoughts on Engagement with Content

• Readers are encouraged to approach the material thoughtfully and critically, considering various perspectives before forming conclusions.