D.Z. Phillips (1934 – 2006)
Outside of my parents, two teachers have dramatically impacted my life and thinking. One was my Ph.D. advisor and mentor D. Z. Phillips. He died, unexpectedly, earlier this week. Phillips was arguably the world’s foremost Wittgensteinian philosopher. He was a student and close friend of Rush Rhees, who was Wittgenstein’s friend and literary executor. He was also a close friend of Peter Winch.
Phillips was original (he wasn’t merely a Wittgensteinian) and wise, a rare combination. He was truly a philosopher, not simply a teacher of phillosophy (though he was that too). The world is worse off for having lost him – there simply are no living philosophers saying what he said. There is a void (perhaps permanent) in philosophy. A chain going back to Wittgenstein himself has been broken.
I would not be, intellectually (and perhaps spiritually), what am I today had I not met and studied under him. His mind, humor, storytelling, and easy manner will be missed. Though among the most prominent (perhaps the most prominent) faculty members, he was accesible to students in a way others weren’t. For example, it wasn’t unusal for Phillips to invite us to the local pub after class. There, around several pints of beer, we would continue our conversations (and listen to Phillips’ stories and jokes – lots and lots of jokes).
Addendum: official announcements from Swansea and Claremont.
The Logic of Forgiveness
The religious life is not an easy one (“pick up thy cross, and follow me” said Jesus). However, poor theology can make it more difficult than it has to be. Consider the issue of forgiveness. Many Christians, it seems, are under the impression that they are required to forgive any offense committed against them (and offenses committed against other people). But is this right? Is this what The prophets taught? Jesus? His apostles?
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Clearly forgiveness lies at the heart of Christianity. However, all forgiveness is dependent on repentance, is it not? If someone asks for forgiveness (and is repentant), the Christian is obligated to forgive. But supposing someone is unrepentant? Supposing someone does not ask for forgiveness? Is the Christian under an obligation to forgive?
The logic of forgiveness is rooted, it seems, in the character of God. The Christian is told to forgive because God forgives. However, God does not forgive everyone. Not all are destined for heaven. God forgives the contrite heart. God shows mercy upon the penitent. But what about the unrepentant? Does God forgive them? Is there not a hell? Likewise, the Christian is under no obligation to forgive the unrepentant. I see nothing in the Bible or tradition to indicate otherwise.
Les Bleus
Yesterday Agence France Press published a haughty piece on patriotism and flag waving in America (see here). From the article:
“It’s a little strange, this obsession of the flag,” French author Bernard-Henri Levy wrote after traveling across the country.
“Everywhere, in every form, flapping in the wind or on stickers, an epidemic of flags that has spread throughout the city,” Levy wrote in “American Vertigo” of the riot of banners he saw.
My favorite line comes from William Galston:
“Global public opinion surveys regularly put Americans at the top of the patriotism index,” Galston told AFP. “The US flag is the visible symbol of that strong sentiment… Even our national anthem is about the flag.”
The timing of this piece was perfect. Apparently Europeans, especially the French, like to flag-wave as well. Of course, Americans were only flag-waving to celebrate the birth of their nation (one quite unique in the history of the world), while the French were celebrating something really important: they won a football game.