The Luminous Cloud of Unknowing

A Conversation with James K.A. Smith about Anxiety, Mysticism, and Love

How do we live when we don’t know what to believe, or who to believe, or how we could even know?

Join Wayfare Editor Zachary Davis in a conversation with philosopher James K. A. Smith about how the ancient traditions of contemplation and contemporary creative work can offer liberation from anxiety and solace to our soul’s deepest yearnings.

Drawing on the writings of St. Teresa of Ávila, St. John of the Cross, and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, Smith’s book invites us to a deeper truth beneath distraction, anxiety, and fear: love.

DATE: April 10th, 2026, 6pm

LOCATION: Harvard Divinity School

PARTICIPANT BIOS

James K. A. Smith is professor of philosophy at Calvin University. He is the award-winning author of a numerous books, including You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit and On the Road with Saint Augustine: A Real-World Spirituality for Restless Hearts. He lives in Grand Rapids, MI.

Zachary Davis is the Executive Director of Faith Matters and the Editor of Wayfare Magazine. He is also the host of the podcasts Article 13, Writ Large, and Ministry of Ideas. He is the recipient of two John Templeton Foundation grants. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University and Harvard Divinity School and lives in Somerville, Massachusetts with his wife, Mariya and their three children.