J. Phillip Johnson

No autobiographical account is ever sufficient, because there is nothing more mysterious to a man than himself. I however can list to you several details that might prove sufficient.

I live in Florida with my family.

I wrote from an early age, and in the years from my youth to my adult life I endeavored to hone a skilled and purposeful style at once unique but inspired. I love the majesty of language as a means of both exploring and discovering the truth, so I commit to a wide variety of literary projects including poetry, nonfiction and short stories. I draw from a wealth of traditions and writers, admiring continental authors such as Ezra Pound and Joseph de Maistre as well as formative men in my native language like Chesterton and Melville.

My penchant for court jesters and fools owes perhaps to their ability to boldly speak the truth and express romance, cynicism and joy all at once (or more likely because my first name begins with a J, as does jester). The Motley Court, far from a circus, records a work as befitting a joker of any kind, in the court of a king and for the bemusement of a noble audience.

For my Roman Catholic religion, I aim always to glorify God and contribute to His Presence on Earth. I have in many ways become tired of the world, and boredom is the first and greatest proof that we have a transcendent instinct. In this way I also strive to be a “fool for Christ.” All this contributes toward partaking of the Divine Inheritance, the capacity each person possesses by right of his or her renewed human nature to participate in the holiness of Jesus Christ. This is the very tagline of the website: Participes Divina Hereditas.

Litany of Patronage

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,

Only friend of mankind: Miserere nobis.

Mary, Star of the Sea

Help of Christians: Ora pro nobis.

Conon of Iconium

Our father in faith: Ora pro nobis.

Apostles Peter and Paul

Authors in grace and peace: Ora pro nobis.

Clement of Alexandria

Host of our court: Ora pro nobis.

John the Precursor

Our family’s soul: Ora pro nobis.

David the Prophet-King

Our family’s spirit: Ora pro nobis.

Augustine of Hippo

Defender of grace: Ora pro nobis.

John Cassian

Crowned of ascetic life: Ora pro nobis.

Cyprian of Carthage

Doctor of unity: Ora pro nobis.

John of Damascus

Streaming with gold: Ora pro nobis.

Pope Pius V

Soldier of the Christ: Ora pro nobis.

Raphael the Archangel

Our family’s sentry: Ora pro nobis.