The Philosopher of Pluralism: An Examination of John Hick's Pluralist Hypothesis

Abstract

An innovative philosopher of religion and renowned theologian, John Hick is deeply concerned with the manifold issues surrounding the modern inter-religious dialogue. Recognizing both the validity of human thought and experience and the spiritual depth available through diverse religious traditions, his work has been hugely significant in the establishment and recognition of a pluralist hypothesis. In an effort to make his modern pluralist interpretation of religion readily accessible to an increasingly scientific public, he writes extensively on the value of inter-faith discussions and understanding. Evolving from his initial Christocentric dialogical style into an enlightened advocate of religious pluralism and discursive diversity over the decades, Hick champions a ubiquitous form of spirituality manifest through limitless variety of humanly-conceived forms: its application toward a unifying religious experience has immense and exciting possibility in contemporary application. Therefore, it is important for any serious scholar of Hick to understand fully his intellectual development, from his ministerial training and initial Christian inclusivism, to the present, less polarizing, dialogical form of pluralism arrived at through the subjectivity of Kantian epistemology. What were his most controversial statements and how has he sought to resolve them through his present philosophy? How far has he really moved from this initial viewpoint and does he retain validity as a serious scholar? Through thoughtful attention to the phenomenological, epistemological, and criteriological forces which have impacted his thought, one can more fully appreciate the dialogical breadth of pluralism in its present form. Indeed, as Hick actively incorporates material and ideology from a multiplicity of traditions, he reconciles questions of universality versus particularity in a volatile and changing international landscape in an effort to realize an equitable and dialogic goal for all of mankind.