Phillips on the Grammar of Prayer: A Critical Approach

Abstract

Having a non-cognitivist approach to religious language, Phillips believes that in the grammar of prayer, the demonstration of a transcendent entity as its object is not of priority; The explanation of its meaningfulness within the religious form of life is of priority. Comprising prayer and incantation, he shows that although people consider both trans-physical ways for achieving goals, the importance of any prayer for a believer roots in the change it makes in her life. The magician maintains the efficacy of chants; A believer does not have the same view about prayer. Basing on these differences, Phillips concludes that prayer as an internal reality means talking to God about griefs and wishes. Prayer for believers is an attempt to find meaning and hope that saves them from the damaging factors in their life. That is why the praying person can understand God's divinity in prayer. In examining Phillips' theory about prayer, it will be revealed that his theory is circular and in opposition to Wittgensteinian language-game theory. Additionally, I will show that his dicta about the difference between prayer and incantation contrast with some of the positivistic elements of his philosophy.

Keywords

• phillips
• prayer
• grammar
• incantation
• non-cognitivism