John Hick is considered to be one of the greatest living philosophers of religion. Hick's philosophical journey has culminated in the grand proposal that we should see all the major world religions as equally valid responses to the same ultimate reality (the 'Real'). This book presents a critical introduction to John Hick's speculative theology and philosophy. The book begins where Hick began, with the problems of religious language, and ends where Hick is now, exploring the questions of religious plurality. Incorporating early aspects that Hick himself would now wish to qualify, as well as explanations that reflect Hick's present focus, Cheetham offers some speculative reflections of his own on key topics, highlighting Hick's influence on contemporary theology and philosophy of religion. All those studying the work of this great philosopher and theologian will find this new introduction offers an invaluable overview along with fresh critical insight.
Biography
David Cheetham, Dr, is a lecturer in theology and religious studies in the Department of Theology at the University of Birmingham
'Cheetham's book deserves to be recognised as an outstanding offering. Essentially, Cheetham provides an overview of Hick's work in terms of his biographical development... With considerable lucidity Cheetham guides us through Hick's arguments and the counter-arguments of his critics. He covers the subjects of epistemology, theodicy and pluralism with clarity... This is a very readable and thought-provoking account of one of the most influential thinkers of our time and deserves text-book status.' Themelios '... the book is an important discussion of a philosopher of religion who has a deservedly worldwide reputation for the way in which he has forced Christianity out of its parochial boundaries. I warmly recommend it to any who have not yet read Hick and to all who have read him but who wish to engage with him more seriously... in addition to providing a good overview of Hick's thought, [Cheetham] fully met my concerns, firstly, by providing a sense of the development in Hick's position over time, [...] and secondly, by bringing his own critique, and those of others, to bear on it so that one gets a sense not only of the potential strengths and weaknesses of Hick's philosophy of religion but also of the response that he evoked in the philosophical and theological world... Throughout, Cheetham's treatment of Hick is both sympathetic and critical.' Journal of Beliefs and Values '... this volume does make an excellent and up-to-date [...] introduction to anyone coming to Hick for the first time... a useful volume to add to any academic library that deals with the philosophy of religion or interfaith studies.' British Association for the Study of Religions Bulletin 'This is a superb introduction aimed mainly at an undergraduate readership needing to acquaint themselves swiftly with this prodigious theologian. Any newcomer though (or one unfamiliar with particular aspects of Hick's wide-ranging thought) would nevertheless value this clearly-written book... this b
