Problem of Evil - John Hick Flashcards
Evil is the means through which humans become ‘children of God’
The virtues we develop as a result of evil is how God justifies the existence of evil.
Evil is essential for development of moral perfection which Hick describes as ‘soul-making’.
The central features of Hick’s theodicy
Instead of creating morally perfect beings from the outset, God deliberately leaves them imperfect so they can create the process of creation themselves.
God is at an epistemic distance
If God had created humanity directly in His presence then the gap between Him and us would be so small that the latter would have no freedom in relation to God. He therefore places humanity at a sufficient distance to have awareness but uncertainty of God,
John Hick quote about God being epistemic from us
“In order to be a person exercising some measure of genuine freedom, the creature must be brought into existence, not in the immediate divine presence, but at a distance from God”.
Why is the world not a paradise?
If the world was a paradise, where there was no chance of us causing harm, then we would not in fact be free. And in effect be robots. Without evil there would be no option for us to develop into God’s likeness as we would follow His laws without problems
Why is the world not a paradise? counterfactual hypothesis
It establishes that God’s purpose would not be possible in a world completely free from suffering and evil - God has therefore created an imperfect world for us to develop.
Why is the world not a paradise? Hick’s conclusion
Since our world offers these opportunities for ‘moral growth and development’ which would not be available in a pain free world, this is the best possible world for development - the ‘vale of soul making’.
The need for an afterlife
The process of the likeness of God is rarely completed in one’s lifetime. Only a supremely good future in heaven can justify the magnitude of suffering in heaven.
Many apparent ‘evil’ people are nothing more than victims of the system - people who cannot wholly be held accountable for their actions.
John Hick quote about God’s epistemic distance no.2
“Humanity is created at an epistemic distance from God in order to come freely to know and love their maker…”
