I have often thought about starting a substantive personal website over the last few years. Though it may prove too absorbing, this site is my attempt at starting the process, and hopefully continuing it. Moreover, upon the completion of my graduate degree in 2008, I no longer have an excuse to neglect my interests and thoughts as they relate to our ever changing and multidimensional world on the forum of the web. Thus, this “blog” is my attempt to offer my musings—however developed or amorphous they may be—on philosophy, theology, politics, ethics, aesthetics, music, books, and movies (I love movies!). That being said, don’t worry if you think these topics are too pretentious, I’ll throw some fun stuff in for those who think they aren’t interested in such things.

The title, “Novum Miscellanium,” is a commensurate attempt at the style and substance of the “Miscellanies” of the philosophical theologian, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758). As one of my heroes, I’ve taken the liberty to address my blog as the “New Miscellanies,” though it is evident that this blog will never come close to the philosophical and theological aptitude of Jonathan Edwards (hereto referred to as JE), whose works, which are published by Yale University, number 27 large volumes. But be that as it may, Novum Miscellanium is the title I am choosing to go with. As JE thought it careful to document his musings in his Miscellanies, I’m now following suit.

Another important point about JE’s Miscellanies was that they were intended to be helpful for both him and those New Englanders he so often addressed. Yet on the other hand, the Miscellanies served a much greater function, namely, the function of discussing or musing over any matter that was thought to be significant in this life. Though all musings don’t need to be expressly philosophical or theological, they nonetheless have their being in these two complementary realms. What this means is simply that these musing are not meant to be desultory in any way, shape, or form, but to be important enough to read—and taking the time to read something which is particularly worthy is becoming a valuable asset in this world. The problem presents itself with this general observation: Most of the excremental content on the internet is simply not worth reading.

Therefore, the Novum Miscellanium is my attempt to undertake what JE started, and to continue his view of the importance of contemplating and critiquing culture. In addition to that, I want to have a little fun as well. Life is a story, and I want to try and tell my own story. For my friends and family, and those who are interested in my interests, this blog will help with my story.

2 Responses to “About My Site”

1. Craig Vander Hart says:

   November 10, 2009 at 6:14 pm

   Hey Phil. I think you gave me an email address, but I couldn’t find it. So I’m gonna get to you this way.

   How’s life? Applying to PhD programs at all? I have been thinking about applying to Fuller, and I was wondering if you could give me the inside scoop. I know a bit about it already thanks to our conversations. I’m thinking about MA in Theology, or something that could give me biblical languages.

   I’m going to be done with Gonzaga by August, so I’m trying to plan ahead. I’ve thought about PhD programs, but I’m a little burned out with philosophy at the moment. Could use a dose of theology.
2. philhigley says:

   November 11, 2009 at 10:23 am

   Hi Craig,

   Great to hear from you! I was just thinking about you the other day, wondering how you were doing?

   My life is going well. I’ve been trying to read whatever I want these days, especially Barth and Edwards’ philosophy on the Trinity. Sang Hyun Lee has a cool book called “The Philosophical Theology of Jonathan Edwards.” It’s great because he basically calls Edwards a process theologian. Good try professor Lee…haha.

   Anyhow, so you’re going to be finished with your MA. That’s great! Good job on getting through that. Not an easy degree by any means. Regarding myself and my future ambitions, I might start applying for PhD programs in the next year or two. I’m thinking of Princeton.

   Here’s the inside scoop about Fuller: it’s an awesome education but you get out of it what you put into it. What I mean by this is that there’s a lot of ‘hoop jumping’ to get the degree, but I believe it’s worth it–especially the systematic theology and church history segment. If I were you, however, I’d go to Princeton Seminary or Yale Divinity School. Princeton has the best theological library in the world in addition to the best faculty. They’ve also got all the Barth scholars as well.

   Whenever you get over here to the Seattle area, let me know and we’ll get together for coffee and talk about it. Big Josh is applying to Duke and TCU for ThM programs. I would be too save the fact that I have huge student loans, uggggg…

   Later, and here’s my email: philhigley@hotmail.com