What is D.Z. Phillips' application of Wittgenstein's theory focused on?

D.Z. Phillips' application of Wittgenstein's theory focuses on the understanding of religious language within its specific context or "language game." Wittgenstein proposed that the meaning of language is derived from its use in particular forms of life, suggesting that words do not have a fixed, objective meaning, but are understood in relation to the activities and practices they are part of.

Phillips took this idea and applied it to religious discourse, emphasizing that religious language is not merely descriptive or conveyable through empirical standards, but is deeply embedded in the practices, rituals, and forms of life of religious communities. This approach allows for a nuanced appreciation of how religious statements function within the context they arise from, rather than judging them solely by external criteria or scientific standards. By doing so, Phillips aims to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse ways that people experience and articulate their religious beliefs, without presupposing a need for objective validation.