Pentecostalism, Postmodernism, and Reformed Epistemology: James K. A. Smith and the Contours of a Postmodern Christian Epistemology

James K. A. Smith's Thinking in Tongues set the agenda for Pentecostal philosophy, articulating an epistemology called narrative, affective knowledge. Yoon Shin critically modifies and strengthens Smith's epistemology through dialogue with moral psychology, philosophy of emotion, postliberalism, and Reformed epistemology, arguing for a performative correspondence theory of truth and expanding on Smith's thin prescription for knowledge.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

James K. A. Smith's Thinking in Tongues, published in 1997, played a pivotal role in shaping Pentecostal philosophy. This book addressed a wide range of philosophical loci through the lens of Pentecostal spirituality, particularly emphasizing an epistemology known as narrative, affective knowledge. Smith's approach drew upon resources from both continental philosophy and Pentecostalism, creating a unique and innovative perspective on knowledge acquisition.

In his book Pentecostalism, Postmodernism, and Reformed Epistemology: James K. A. Smith and the Contours of a Postmodern Christian Epistemology, Yoon Shin critically examines and enhances Smith's epistemology. Shin takes a nuanced approach, accepting the broader definitions of narrative, affective epistemology while also making significant modifications and improvements. He employs a wide range of resources, including moral psychology, philosophy of emotion, postliberalism, and Reformed epistemology, to support his arguments.

Through his exposition, Shin challenges Smith's assertion that being a Christian postmodern necessarily entails relativism. He critiques Smith's misunderstanding of postliberalism and its realist commitment, advocating for a performative correspondence theory of truth. Shin further expands on Smith's limited prescription for knowledge by incorporating insights from Reformed epistemology. By engaging in dialogue with Reformed epistemology, Shin identifies three areas for fruitful dialogue between postmodern and Reformed epistemology, with the ultimate goal of developing a postmodern Christian epistemology.

In conclusion, James K. A. Smith's Thinking in Tongues laid the foundation for Pentecostal philosophy, particularly in terms of his epistemology known as narrative, affective knowledge. Yoon Shin's book Pentecostalism, Postmodernism, and Reformed Epistemology: James K. A. Smith and the Contours of a Postmodern Christian Epistemology builds upon Smith's work, critically modifying and strengthening his epistemology while incorporating insights from various disciplines. Shin's approach demonstrates the potential for dialogue between postmodern and Reformed epistemologies, ultimately contributing to the development of a postmodern Christian epistemology that is both robust and coherent.

Weight: 581g
Dimension: 239 x 160 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793638748