Hick’s Theodicy Flashcards
Who was John Hick?
A 20th century philosopher of religion known for his development of the “vale of soul making” theodicy which argues that the presence of evil and suffering is essential for human growth
What did Hick believe about evil?
-Hick believed that a world without challenge would be “morally static” meaning people would lack the opportunity to cultivate virtues such as courage or compassion
What did Hick believe about St Augustine’s theodicy?
-He rejected St Augustine’s theodicy as “utterly unacceptable” as it portrayed evil solely as the result of human sin.
-Instead his views were influenced by 2nd century theologian Irenaeus who similarly believed that humans were created imperfect in order to develop from merely being made in God’s image to also attaining his likeness: he said “a world which is to be a person making environment cannot be a painfree paradise”
What Bible verse supports Hick’s theodicy?
Romans Verse:“we know that suffering produces perseverance and character, hope”
What did Hick believe about the concept of “epistemic distance”?
-John Hick’s theodicy is rooted in the concept of “epistemic distance,” which refers to the idea that God deliberately created a world where humans are not fully aware of His presence, allowing them the freedom to choose and grow without coercion.
-This distance is necessary for genuine moral and spiritual development.
What is Hick’s two step creation theory?
-Hick argues that creation occurs in two stages: “bios” and “Zoe”
- This two-step process explains why suffering and evil exist: they are necessary for the development of virtues and genuine free wil
What is the first step of Hick’s two step creation theory?
-the initial stage of “bios”, where humans are created in God’s image, as described in Genesis 1:26: “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.”
-This stage represents the potential for human beings to develop, but it does not yet involve full moral or spiritual maturity.
What is Hick’s second stage of creation in his two step creation theory?
The second stage, “zoe”, is the development process where humans cultivate their character through choices and experiences, growing into their full potential as beings capable of true goodness and moral responsibility.
