John Hick

1. Basic Information

  • Born: 1922, Scarborough, England

  • Died: 2012

  • Profession: Philosopher of religion and theologian.

John Hick was a British philosopher best known for his work on religious pluralism, the problem of evil, and life after death. He taught at several universities including Birmingham, Princeton, and Claremont.

Hick originally trained in philosophy at the University of Edinburgh and Oxford. His thinking was influenced by Christian theology, world religions, and philosophers such as Immanuel Kant.

He is important in the philosophy of religion because he challenged traditional Christian exclusivism and argued that many religions can be valid responses to the same ultimate reality.

2. Hick’s Key Ideas

a. Religious Pluralism

Hick argued that no single religion has a monopoly on truth. Instead, the world’s major religions are different human responses to the same ultimate reality, which he called “the Real.”

  • Different religions interpret the Real through their own cultures and traditions.

  • Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and others can all lead people toward moral and spiritual transformation.

  • Hick described his approach as a “Copernican revolution” in theology—moving the centre from Christianity to God (or the Real).

b. The Problem of Evil

Hick developed a modern version of the “soul-making” theodicy, inspired by the early Christian thinker Irenaeus.

Key ideas:

  • Humans were not created perfect but created with the potential to grow morally and spiritually.

  • A world with challenges, suffering, and freedom allows people to develop virtues such as courage, compassion, and faith.

  • Evil and suffering therefore have a purpose in the process of soul-making.

c. Views on the Afterlife

Hick believed that human development may continue after death.

His idea is often called the Replica Theory:

  • After death, God recreates a replica (an exact continuation) of the person in another realm.

  • This replica would have the same memories and personality, allowing personal identity to continue.

  • The afterlife allows people further opportunity for spiritual growth and moral development.

3. Key Quotes

  • “The great world faiths embody different perceptions of, and responses to, the Real.”

  • “The presence of evil and suffering is necessary for the development of moral and spiritual character.”

  • “God can recreate a person in another realm so that life continues beyond death.”