Sontag, Frederick

From New World Encyclopedia
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Frederick Earl Sontag was born on October 2, 1924 in Long Beach, [[California]] to M. Burnett and Cornelia (Nicholson) Sontag. His father was a [[Russia]]n [[Jew]] who survived a [[pogrom]]. He left Russia and arrived in [[New York]] in 1903. Finding no work there he took a train to California and a bus to Long Beach, where he was offered a job and was able to learn English. There being no [[synagogue]] in Long Beach, he began attending the [[Baptist Church]] and converted.<ref name=Conversation> Richard Whittaker, [https://www.conversations.org/story.php?sid=19 Interview: Frederick Sontag: A Time of Searching] ''Conversations'', April 10, 2002. Retrieved September 3, 2021.</ref> Frederick Sontag was born in Long Beach. His parents died when he was young.
 
Frederick Earl Sontag was born on October 2, 1924 in Long Beach, [[California]] to M. Burnett and Cornelia (Nicholson) Sontag. His father was a [[Russia]]n [[Jew]] who survived a [[pogrom]]. He left Russia and arrived in [[New York]] in 1903. Finding no work there he took a train to California and a bus to Long Beach, where he was offered a job and was able to learn English. There being no [[synagogue]] in Long Beach, he began attending the [[Baptist Church]] and converted.<ref name=Conversation> Richard Whittaker, [https://www.conversations.org/story.php?sid=19 Interview: Frederick Sontag: A Time of Searching] ''Conversations'', April 10, 2002. Retrieved September 3, 2021.</ref> Frederick Sontag was born in Long Beach. His parents died when he was young.
  
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Sontag served in the U.S. Army during the [[Second World War]], becoming a sergeant. He graduated from [[Stanford University]] in 1949 with a B.A. (with great distinction). His intention was to become a [[lawyer]], but Stanford did not have a pre-law curriculum so he took courses in [[psychology]] and [[philosophy]].<ref name=Conversation/> Realizing his true interest was in philosophy, he then attended [[Yale University]] where he earned an M.A. in 1951 and a Ph.D. in philosophy in 1952. During this time he married his wife, Carol Furth, on June 10, 1950.<ref>[https://prabook.com/web/frederick_earl.sontag/589179 Frederick Earl Sontag] ''World Biographical Encyclopedia''. Retrieved September 3, 2021</ref>  
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Sontag served in the U.S. Army during the [[Second World War]], becoming a sergeant. He graduated from [[Stanford University]] in 1949 with a B.A. (with great distinction). His intention was to become a [[lawyer]], but Stanford did not have a pre-law curriculum so he took courses in [[psychology]] and [[philosophy]].<ref name=Conversation/> Realizing his true interest was in philosophy, he then attended [[Yale University]] where he earned an M.A. in 1951 and a Ph.D. in philosophy in 1952. During this time he married his wife, Carol Furth, on June 10, 1950.<ref name=WorldBio>[https://prabook.com/web/frederick_earl.sontag/589179 Frederick Earl Sontag] ''World Biographical Encyclopedia''. Retrieved September 3, 2021</ref>  
  
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Sontag then began a long teaching career at Pomona College. His interest in religion led him to attend [[Union Seminary]] during his first sabbatical, but recognized that he was destined to be a teacher not a minister. Discovering that the [[Congregational Church]] did not require a seminary  degree and regarded teaching as a ministry, he was ordained there and performed marriages for several of his students.<ref name=Conversation/>
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The Sontags had two children, a son Grant and daughter Anne, who gave them grandchildren Rachel, Lydia and Chas.
  
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The Sontags had two children, a son Grant and daughter Anne, who gave them grandchildren Rachel, Lydia and Chas.
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His interest in religion led him to attend [[Union Seminary]] during his first sabbatical from Pomona College, but he recognized that he was destined to be a teacher not a minister. Discovering that the [[Congregational Church]] did not require a seminary  degree and regarded teaching as a ministry, he was ordained there and performed marriages for several of his students.<ref name=Conversation/>
  
 
Retiring after 56 years of teaching, Sontag died of congestive [[heart failure]] on June 14, 2009.<ref name=obit/>
 
Retiring after 56 years of teaching, Sontag died of congestive [[heart failure]] on June 14, 2009.<ref name=obit/>
  
 
==Academic career==
 
==Academic career==
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Sontag was the Robert C. Denison Professor of Philosophy at [[Pomona College]], where he worked from 1952 to 2009. He had also been chairman of the department (1960–67 and 1976–77) and chairman of the Committee on Honors Study (1961–70). He also served as a visiting professor at a number of institutions ([[Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York|Union Theological Seminary]], 1959–60, Collegio di Sant'Anselmo, Rome, 1966–67, [[University of Copenhagen]], 1972, [[University of Kyoto]], 1974, and [[East-West Center]], Honolulu, 1974). He was the theologian-in-residence at American Church in Paris in 1973 and [[Fulbright]] Regional American Professor, East Asian and Pacific Area from 1977 to 1978.<ref name=Gale/>
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Sontag had a long teaching career at Pomona College.
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 +
Sontag was the Robert C. Denison Professor of Philosophy at [[Pomona College]], where he worked from 1952 to 2009. He had also been chairman of the department (1960–67 and 1976–77) and chairman of the Committee on Honors Study (1961–70).  
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He served as a visiting professor at a number of institutions: Union Theological Seminary, New York City, 1959-1960, Collegio de Sant' Anselmo, Rome, 1966-1967, University of Copenhagen, 1972; [[University of Kyoto]], 1974, and [[East-West Center]], [[Honolulu]], 1974. He also served as theologian-in-residence at American Church in Paris, 1973; Fulbright regional visiting professor, India, East Asia, Pacific areas, 1977-1978.<ref name=WorldBio/>
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His research interests were [[Existentialism]], [[Metaphysics]], [[Philosophy of Religion]], and [[Philosophical Theology]].<ref name=endowed /><ref>[https://mynext.pomona.edu/ics/ My Pomoma] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706190051/http://mynext.pomona.edu/ics |date=2010-07-06 }}, Pomona College website. Accessed May 14, 2009.</ref><!-- Javascript-based website, does not appear to allow static URL for any of its contents —> Sontag was a minister in the [[United Church of Christ]].<ref name="latimes.com">[http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-frederick-sontag20-2009jun20,0,6245632.story Frederick E. Sontag dies at 84; Pomona College philosophy professor], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', June 20, 2009</ref>  
 
His research interests were [[Existentialism]], [[Metaphysics]], [[Philosophy of Religion]], and [[Philosophical Theology]].<ref name=endowed /><ref>[https://mynext.pomona.edu/ics/ My Pomoma] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706190051/http://mynext.pomona.edu/ics |date=2010-07-06 }}, Pomona College website. Accessed May 14, 2009.</ref><!-- Javascript-based website, does not appear to allow static URL for any of its contents —> Sontag was a minister in the [[United Church of Christ]].<ref name="latimes.com">[http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-frederick-sontag20-2009jun20,0,6245632.story Frederick E. Sontag dies at 84; Pomona College philosophy professor], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', June 20, 2009</ref>  

Revision as of 20:24, 3 September 2021

Currently working on —Jennifer Tanabe September 2021.

Western philosophy
Contemporary philosophy
Name: Frederick Sontag
Birth: October 2, 1924
(Long Beach, California)
Death: August 6, 1969
(aged 84)
School/tradition: Existentialism
Main interests
Existentialism; Metaphysics; Philosophy of Religion; Philosophical Theology[1]
Notable ideas

Frederick Earl Sontag (October 2, 1924 – June 14, 2009[2]) was a professor of philosophy and author. He taught at Pomona College in Claremont, California from 1952 to 2009,[3] retiring shortly before his death.[4]

Life

Frederick Earl Sontag was born on October 2, 1924 in Long Beach, California to M. Burnett and Cornelia (Nicholson) Sontag. His father was a Russian Jew who survived a pogrom. He left Russia and arrived in New York in 1903. Finding no work there he took a train to California and a bus to Long Beach, where he was offered a job and was able to learn English. There being no synagogue in Long Beach, he began attending the Baptist Church and converted.[5] Frederick Sontag was born in Long Beach. His parents died when he was young.

Sontag served in the U.S. Army during the Second World War, becoming a sergeant. He graduated from Stanford University in 1949 with a B.A. (with great distinction). His intention was to become a lawyer, but Stanford did not have a pre-law curriculum so he took courses in psychology and philosophy.[5] Realizing his true interest was in philosophy, he then attended Yale University where he earned an M.A. in 1951 and a Ph.D. in philosophy in 1952. During this time he married his wife, Carol Furth, on June 10, 1950.[6]

The Sontags had two children, a son Grant and daughter Anne, who gave them grandchildren Rachel, Lydia and Chas.

His interest in religion led him to attend Union Seminary during his first sabbatical from Pomona College, but he recognized that he was destined to be a teacher not a minister. Discovering that the Congregational Church did not require a seminary degree and regarded teaching as a ministry, he was ordained there and performed marriages for several of his students.[5]

Retiring after 56 years of teaching, Sontag died of congestive heart failure on June 14, 2009.[2]

Academic career

Sontag had a long teaching career at Pomona College.

Sontag was the Robert C. Denison Professor of Philosophy at Pomona College, where he worked from 1952 to 2009. He had also been chairman of the department (1960–67 and 1976–77) and chairman of the Committee on Honors Study (1961–70).

He served as a visiting professor at a number of institutions: Union Theological Seminary, New York City, 1959-1960, Collegio de Sant' Anselmo, Rome, 1966-1967, University of Copenhagen, 1972; University of Kyoto, 1974, and East-West Center, Honolulu, 1974. He also served as theologian-in-residence at American Church in Paris, 1973; Fulbright regional visiting professor, India, East Asia, Pacific areas, 1977-1978.[6]



His research interests were Existentialism, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion, and Philosophical Theology.[1][7] Sontag was a minister in the United Church of Christ.[8]

He was considered an expert on the Unification Church. In the 1970s he interviewed church founder Sun Myung Moon and church members in Europe, America, and Asia while researching for a book published in 1977.[8][9][10][11] Sontag spent 10 months visiting church members in North America, Europe, and Asia as well as interviewing Moon at his home in New York State. The book also provides an overview of Unification Church beliefs.[9]

In an interview with UPI Sontag compared the Unification Church (founded in 1954) with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and said that he expected its practices to conform more to mainstream American society as its members become more mature. He added that he did not want to be considered an apologist for the church but a close look at its theology is important: "They raise some incredibly interesting issues."[12]

In 2000, Sontag offered to let a troubled student spend the night at his home. But as he drove the student to his dormitory to pick up some clothes, the student became agitated, drew a knife and stabbed Sontag twice.[13][14] Sontag testified in the student's defense at his trial in which he was found not guilty by reason of insanity.[15] He said about the incident: "My genes lack something, I don't seem to hold grudges...I believe in restoring relationships."[16]

In a 2004 interview with Pomona College Magazine, singer, actor, songwriter, and former Pomona College student Kris Kristofferson mentioned Sontag as an important influence in his life.[17]

Legacy

Upon his retirement from Pomona College in May 2009, Sontag was awarded the Pomona College Trustees’ Medal of Merit, as "an extraordinarily magnanimous member of this community."[18]

A research fellowship fund, a gate, a theater, and a residence hall are named in his honor.[18][19]

Works

  • American Life (2005). University Press of America. ISBN 9780761834410
  • A Kierkegaard Handbook (2003). Wipf & Stock Publishers.
  • The Mysterious Presence: A Spiritual Odyssey. (2001). University Press of America.
  • Defense of God. (1999). Paragon House. ISBN 0913757276
  • The Descent of Women (1997). Paragon House. ISBN 1557787190
  • Truth and Imagination (1997). University Press of America. ISBN 076180921X
  • The Acts of Trinity (1996). University Press of America. ISBN 0761803637
  • Uncertain Truth (1995). University Press of America. ISBN 081919851X
  • Wittgenstein and the Mystical: Philosophy As an Ascetic Practice (1995). An American Academy of Religion Book. ISBN 1555409938
  • Emotion: Its Role in Understanding and Decision (American University Studies Series V, Philosophy) (1990). Peter Lang Pub Inc. ISBN 0820410691
  • Unificationism and Modern Society: An Appraisal of the Thought and Work of the Reverend Sun Myung Moon with Thomas G. Walsh. (1988). International Cultural Foundation and the International Religious Foundation. ISBN 978-0892260621
  • The Elements of Philosophy (1984). Scribner.
  • God: The Contemporary Discussion with M. Darrol Bryant. (1982) Rose of Sharon Press. ISBN 0932894127
  • What can God do? (1979). Abingdon Press. ISBN 0687446007
  • Sun Myung Moon and the Unification Church (1977). Abingdon Press. ISBN 0687406226
  • Love Beyond Pain: Mysticism Within Christianity (1977). Paulist Press.
  • God and America's Future (1977). McGrath Pub. Co. ISBN 0843406410
  • The American Religious Experience: The Roots, Trends and the Future of American Theology, with John K. Roth (1972). Harper and Row.
  • How Philosophy Shapes Theology: Problems in the Philosophy of Religion (1971). Harper and Row. ISBN 006046349X
  • The Problems of Metaphysics (1970). Chandler.
  • God, Why Did You Do That? (1970) Westminster.
  • The God of Evil: An Argument from the Existence of the Devil (1970). Harper
  • The Crisis of Faith: A Protestant Witness in Rome (1969). Doubleday., ASIN: B0020CM7AW
  • The Future of Theology: A Philosophical Basis for Contemporary Protestant Theology (1969). Westminster.
  • The Existentialist Prolegomena: To a Future Metaphysics (1969). University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0226768198
  • Divine Perfection (1962). Harper & Brothers.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Endowed Professorships, Pomona College {{#invoke:webarchive|webarchive}} Accessed June 18, 2009.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Professor Fred Sontag 1924-2009 {{#invoke:webarchive|webarchive}}. Accessed June 16, 2009.
  3. ↑ "Frederick (Earl) Sontag". Contemporary Authors Online. Gale. June 15, 2001. Retrieved on May 11, 2009.
  4. ↑ Remarks on the Occasion of the Retirement of Frederick Sontag {{#invoke:webarchive|webarchive}}. Accessed June 16, 2009.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Richard Whittaker, Interview: Frederick Sontag: A Time of Searching Conversations, April 10, 2002. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Frederick Earl Sontag World Biographical Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 3, 2021
  7. ↑ My Pomoma {{#invoke:webarchive|webarchive}}, Pomona College website. Accessed May 14, 2009.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Frederick E. Sontag dies at 84; Pomona College philosophy professor, Los Angeles Times, June 20, 2009
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Who is this Pied Piper of Religion?, St. Petersburg Times, February 4, 1978
  10. ↑ Moon: an objective look at his theology, Boca Raton News, 1977-11-25
  11. ↑ Stymied in U.S., Moon's Church Sounds a Retreat, Washington Post, November 24, 1997
  12. ↑ Moon: an objective look at his theology, Boca Raton News, 1977-11-25
  13. ↑ Colleges Stunned by Professor's Stabbing, Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, November 6, 2000
  14. ↑ Student Arraigned in Stabbing of Teacher, Los Angeles Times, November 9, 2000
  15. ↑ L.A. Times 2009-06-20
  16. ↑ Professor's Philosophy of Life Unshaken, Kenneth R. Weisss and Richard Winton, November 2, 2000, Los Angeles Times, reprinted in Pomona College Magazine {{#invoke:webarchive|webarchive}}
  17. ↑ Acts of Will {{#invoke:webarchive|webarchive}}, Pomona College Magazine, Winter 2004
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Presentation of the Trustees’ Medal of Merit to Frederick Sontag {{#invoke:webarchive|webarchive}}, May 17, 2009, by Stewart Smith, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Accessed June 18, 2009.
  19. ↑ Remarks on the Occasion of the Retirement of Frederick Sontag {{#invoke:webarchive|webarchive}}, Accessed June 18, 2009.

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