Craig A. Phillips, Ph.D.
@cavoodle.bsky.social
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EMBRACING WINTER MORNINGS: A COFFEE RITUAL
Photo by Benni Fish on Pexels.com This morning, I woke to the sharp chill of a New Hampshire winter. The thermometer at 6 a.m. read 1°F. Outside, a light layer of snow covered everything, softening…
craigphillips.co
The most recent post on my Blog, In These Times.
The Torah, the Gospels, and the Quran agree: the refugee bears rights no state can revoke. My piece in today's "The Weekly Word" (A Faith that Does Justice, faith-justice.org) argues why humanitarian appeals aren't enough — and what justice requires.
craigphillips.substack.com/p/when-chari...
craigphillips.substack.com/p/when-chari...
WHEN CHARITY REPLACES JUSTICE: THE REFUGEE CRISIS AND THE LIE AT THE HEART OF THE MODERN STATE
My article published as "The Weekly Work" on April 7, 2026 by the interfaith non-profit, "A Faith that Does Justice" (faith-justice.org).
craigphillips.substack.com
April 7, 2026 at 5:49 PM
The Torah, the Gospels, and the Quran agree: the refugee bears rights no state can revoke. My piece in today's "The Weekly Word" (A Faith that Does Justice, faith-justice.org) argues why humanitarian appeals aren't enough — and what justice requires.
craigphillips.substack.com/p/when-chari...
craigphillips.substack.com/p/when-chari...
What does it mean to read philosophy for its own sake, without lecture notes or citations? A detour into classical Indian thought shows how Hindu and Buddhist philosophers debated the nature of the self—and whether there even is one to find.
Read more about this on my free Substack page.
Read more about this on my free Substack page.
RETURNING TO INDIAN PHILOSOPHY
Last week, I drove to the Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough, New Hampshire, and bought the book, Classical Indian Philosophy.[1] This volume forms part of Peter Adamson’s larger project, A History of...
craigphillips.substack.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:23 PM
What does it mean to read philosophy for its own sake, without lecture notes or citations? A detour into classical Indian thought shows how Hindu and Buddhist philosophers debated the nature of the self—and whether there even is one to find.
Read more about this on my free Substack page.
Read more about this on my free Substack page.
Reposted by Craig A. Phillips, Ph.D.
Today’s Daily Cartoon, by Roz Chast. #NewYorkerCartoons
Sign up for our humor newsletter to get cartoons, comics, and more straight in your inbox: newyorkermag.visitlink.me/xXMulf
Sign up for our humor newsletter to get cartoons, comics, and more straight in your inbox: newyorkermag.visitlink.me/xXMulf
January 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Today’s Daily Cartoon, by Roz Chast. #NewYorkerCartoons
Sign up for our humor newsletter to get cartoons, comics, and more straight in your inbox: newyorkermag.visitlink.me/xXMulf
Sign up for our humor newsletter to get cartoons, comics, and more straight in your inbox: newyorkermag.visitlink.me/xXMulf
I read 59 books for pleasure this year. I decided not to pick a favorite. On my free Substack page, I discuss four fantasy/ science fiction trilogies that I have read over the past few years that have stayed with me.
craigphillips.substack.com/p/scholars-p...
craigphillips.substack.com/p/scholars-p...
January 20, 2026 at 4:16 PM
I read 59 books for pleasure this year. I decided not to pick a favorite. On my free Substack page, I discuss four fantasy/ science fiction trilogies that I have read over the past few years that have stayed with me.
craigphillips.substack.com/p/scholars-p...
craigphillips.substack.com/p/scholars-p...
My AntiLibrary
MY ANTILIBRARY
I have stacks of unread books in my study, the bedroom, and in a few other places in my house.
open.substack.com
May 15, 2025 at 3:42 PM
My AntiLibrary
As an alum of Harvard Divinity School, I am proud of Harvard University for standing up today for freedom of speech and freedom of academic inquiry without interference from illegal demands.
view.hu.harvard.edu
April 14, 2025 at 10:50 PM
As an alum of Harvard Divinity School, I am proud of Harvard University for standing up today for freedom of speech and freedom of academic inquiry without interference from illegal demands.
The non-profit, A Faith that Does Justice,has published another contribution of mine as the "Weekly Word." The article poses the question, why do the people of God often fail to appreciate, or even notice, God’s many blessings and be thankful for them?
God’s Generosity to All - A Faith That Does Justice
The people of God tend to complain even when things are good. They seem to have a need to complain. And when they do, they are not able to appreciate what they already have. They are unable to see th...
faith-justice.org
March 12, 2025 at 12:11 AM
The non-profit, A Faith that Does Justice,has published another contribution of mine as the "Weekly Word." The article poses the question, why do the people of God often fail to appreciate, or even notice, God’s many blessings and be thankful for them?
I posted today on my childhood remembrances of the 1961 World Championship, New York, Yankees.
I also suggest ways that we can recognize the people in our daily lives that we can easily overlook.
craigphillips.substack.com.
I also suggest ways that we can recognize the people in our daily lives that we can easily overlook.
craigphillips.substack.com.
March 9, 2025 at 12:33 AM
I posted today on my childhood remembrances of the 1961 World Championship, New York, Yankees.
I also suggest ways that we can recognize the people in our daily lives that we can easily overlook.
craigphillips.substack.com.
I also suggest ways that we can recognize the people in our daily lives that we can easily overlook.
craigphillips.substack.com.
This post is about the writing process and the addiction to writing supplies that often accompanies it. I hope you enjoy reading it: craigphillips.substack.com
March 2, 2025 at 3:17 PM
This post is about the writing process and the addiction to writing supplies that often accompanies it. I hope you enjoy reading it: craigphillips.substack.com
My visit to Hobart, New York, the Village of Books. Living in the Moment.
A Village of Books: Hobart, New York
Living in the Moment
craigphillips.substack.com
February 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
My visit to Hobart, New York, the Village of Books. Living in the Moment.
The non-profit, "A Faith that Does Justice," has published another submission of mine. This meditation examines Jesus as the "Beloved Son" of God and connects this with the Baptismal Covenant of the Episcopal Church in which a promise is made "to respect the dignity of every human being."
The Baptism of Jesus and our Covenant with God and One Another - A Faith That Does Justice
Our nation is divided. Whatever our political leanings, as Christians, we each promise to be faithful to the God who calls us. That is what a covenant is. It is an agreement between people in the pres...
faith-justice.org
February 26, 2025 at 11:04 AM
The non-profit, "A Faith that Does Justice," has published another submission of mine. This meditation examines Jesus as the "Beloved Son" of God and connects this with the Baptismal Covenant of the Episcopal Church in which a promise is made "to respect the dignity of every human being."
We will have to wait and see whether they actually make any meaningful and beneficial changes to the sport.
Even as One Cycling discussions continue, there's a new wrinkle in road racing reform: the UCI will convene its own commission this week. One big difference? The UCI's effort will have participation from Tour de France organizer ASO. escapecollective.com/the-uci-is-e...
The UCI is exploring its own reform efforts
A new economic reform commission has an unknown relationship to One Cycling but is focused on similar plans for a streamlined calendar and economic changes.
escapecollective.com
February 25, 2025 at 2:47 AM
We will have to wait and see whether they actually make any meaningful and beneficial changes to the sport.
My newest post: Read my personal reflections on Walter Benjamin and the Arcades of Paris.
Walter Benjamin and the Arcades of Paris
A Personal Journey
craigphillips.substack.com
February 18, 2025 at 5:41 PM
My newest post: Read my personal reflections on Walter Benjamin and the Arcades of Paris.
Today the non-profit. A Faith that Does Justice, published my newest contribution, "Radical Hospitality."
This reflection examines Christian hospitality through the Rule of Benedict: "Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ himself. He will say, ‘I came as a guest and you welcomed me.’”
This reflection examines Christian hospitality through the Rule of Benedict: "Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ himself. He will say, ‘I came as a guest and you welcomed me.’”
Radical Hospitality - A Faith That Does Justice
By The Rev. Craig A. Phillips, Ph.D. Over the past couple of decades, many congregations have sought to practice “radical hospitality.” Simply put, that means welcoming those who come into the doors o...
faith-justice.org
February 18, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Today the non-profit. A Faith that Does Justice, published my newest contribution, "Radical Hospitality."
This reflection examines Christian hospitality through the Rule of Benedict: "Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ himself. He will say, ‘I came as a guest and you welcomed me.’”
This reflection examines Christian hospitality through the Rule of Benedict: "Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ himself. He will say, ‘I came as a guest and you welcomed me.’”
Pope Francis corrected J. D. Vance: “Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups.” The parable of the Good Samaritan makes that abundantly clear.
Christian charity groups have worked with the federal government for decades to deliver lifesaving American assistance around the world. Now, the Trump administration's cuts have left faith-based humanitarian groups with gaping funding deficits, hastily shuttered programs and unfolding layoffs.
In Trump’s Cuts to Aid and Refugees, a Clash Over Christian Values
Vice President JD Vance and the Pope square off, as faith-based groups face an existential crisis.
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Pope Francis corrected J. D. Vance: “Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups.” The parable of the Good Samaritan makes that abundantly clear.
Please subscribe to my new Substack publication, "Everyday Life: Flourishing in These Times"
Everyday Life: Flourishing in These Times | Craig A. Phillips, Ph.D. | Substack
This Substack offers my reflections on everyday life, my academic work in religion, philosophy, and literary theory, along with the simple things that bring pleasure to my life. I hope that you find m...
craigphillips.substack.com
February 16, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Please subscribe to my new Substack publication, "Everyday Life: Flourishing in These Times"
This is the hallmark of biblical faith and the MAGA attack on practices integral to authentic Christian faith is certainly an attack on genuine Christian practice.
"The decision to love and serve the stranger, the refugee, and the foreigner with charity is a hallmark of the Christian faith, such that a government crackdown on this work seems to be a threat to Christian practice itself," Elizabeth Bruenig writes:
‘A Very Christian Concept’
The faith’s mandate is more arduous than J. D. Vance’s account seems to allow.
www.theatlantic.com
February 9, 2025 at 11:39 PM
This is the hallmark of biblical faith and the MAGA attack on practices integral to authentic Christian faith is certainly an attack on genuine Christian practice.
Reposted by Craig A. Phillips, Ph.D.
Mindset reset:
Right now, brave Ukrainians are defending their land & loved ones, at the cost of their sanity, limbs & lives. It’s an existential fight for their democracy & way of life.
If the Russians lose, they go home. If the Ukrainians lose, they will be overrun & destroyed.
#SlavaUkraini 🇺🇦
Right now, brave Ukrainians are defending their land & loved ones, at the cost of their sanity, limbs & lives. It’s an existential fight for their democracy & way of life.
If the Russians lose, they go home. If the Ukrainians lose, they will be overrun & destroyed.
#SlavaUkraini 🇺🇦
February 8, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Mindset reset:
Right now, brave Ukrainians are defending their land & loved ones, at the cost of their sanity, limbs & lives. It’s an existential fight for their democracy & way of life.
If the Russians lose, they go home. If the Ukrainians lose, they will be overrun & destroyed.
#SlavaUkraini 🇺🇦
Right now, brave Ukrainians are defending their land & loved ones, at the cost of their sanity, limbs & lives. It’s an existential fight for their democracy & way of life.
If the Russians lose, they go home. If the Ukrainians lose, they will be overrun & destroyed.
#SlavaUkraini 🇺🇦
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
February 8, 2025 at 12:34 PM
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
Reposted by Craig A. Phillips, Ph.D.
Great job by Ruben (@rubenbolling.bsky.social).
February 7, 2025 at 6:42 AM
Great job by Ruben (@rubenbolling.bsky.social).
Such shortsightedness. USAID is only 1 percent of the federal budget.
The Freezing of USAID is an Abject Disaster for the Global Coffee Sector
Roast Magazine’s Daily Coffee News is proud to maintain advertising partnerships with many of the world’s leading coffee companies, yet maintains a focus on fair and objective editorial content, with ...
dailycoffeenews.com
February 6, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Such shortsightedness. USAID is only 1 percent of the federal budget.
Worth reading this.
Quiet, please! The remarkable power of silence – for our bodies and our minds
Quiet, please! The remarkable power of silence – for our bodies and our minds
Our increasingly noisy world has been linked to cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression, as well as hearing loss. But that’s not the only reason we need more peace and quiet in our lives
No dogs barking. No lawnmowers. No revving engines. No…
www.theguardian.com
February 2, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Worth reading this.
An excellent analysis. It makes me proud to be an Episcopalian at this time.
Bishop Budde went viral because she showed us what's wrong with American religion
(RNS) — The sermon reminded many Americans what public religious faith looked like in the not-so-distant past, when the Episcopal Church was the de facto faith of the American ruling class.
religionnews.com
February 1, 2025 at 8:18 PM
An excellent analysis. It makes me proud to be an Episcopalian at this time.
From my experience of 19 years preaching in the DC Metro area before retirement, this is the best and most authentic approach.
Bishop Mariann Budde gave us a masterclass in holding political leaders to account. In her sermon at the National Cathedral, she didn't prescribe policy, but proclaimed what Christians believe & called for those values to be upheld. More of this! Kaitlyn Schiess on 🎙️Holy Post 654
January 30, 2025 at 1:13 AM
From my experience of 19 years preaching in the DC Metro area before retirement, this is the best and most authentic approach.
Absolutely right! A great read!!
1. I'm NOT the sort of SF/F nerd who thinks everyone needs to read a "canon" of older works in genre like they're homework before they get to call themselves a fan, nevertheless the book I'm always mildly surprised when people say they haven't read it is "Snow Crash," which to me is era-defining...
January 29, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Absolutely right! A great read!!