What does Phillips suggest about the discussions of religious experience?

Phillips argues that discussions of religious experience must be contextualized within their language game. This perspective draws on the idea that religious experiences are not only shaped by personal feelings but are also deeply embedded in the specific contexts and frameworks of meaning that individuals and communities use to interpret them. By focusing on language games, Phillips emphasizes that understanding religious experiences requires an appreciation of the linguistic and cultural contexts in which they occur, suggesting that the meaning of such experiences is often determined by the frameworks within which they are articulated.

This view challenges the notion that religious experiences can be universally assessed or equated due to their reliance on distinct contextual meanings. It highlights the complexity and variabilities of religious discourse rather than treating these experiences as frivolous or irrelevant, underscoring their significance within the participants’ lived experiences. Therefore, Phillips advocates for a nuanced approach that respects the diversity of interpretations and meanings that arise in different contexts.