Soul-Making Theodicy: A Summary of John Hick's Argument
John Hick's "soul-making theodicy" is a philosophical attempt to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering in the world with the belief in a benevolent God. It focuses on the concept of human spiritual growth and development as the primary reason for evil and suffering.
Key Ideas:
* God is not all-powerful in the sense of being able to prevent evil. Hick argues that such omnipotence would preclude free will and the possibility of meaningful relationships.
* Evil and suffering are necessary for moral and spiritual growth. Facing adversity allows individuals to develop virtues like courage, compassion, and resilience.
* Life is a "soul-making" journey. Through confronting suffering, humans can learn, grow, and become more like God.
* The world is not a "moral laboratory" designed by God for this purpose. Rather, it is a complex and evolving system where suffering emerges as a consequence of human choices and natural processes.
* God's role is not to intervene directly but to provide the conditions necessary for spiritual development. This includes providing opportunities for growth and offering guidance and support.
Criticisms of Soul-Making Theodicy:
* Theodicy of the privileged: Critics argue that this view privileges those with the resources to overcome hardship, overlooking the suffering of the marginalized.
* Justification of suffering: Some argue that justifying suffering as necessary for growth is morally problematic, especially when it involves the innocent.
* The problem of "too much" suffering: Hick's theory struggles to explain the vast scale and intensity of suffering in the world.
* Lack of evidence: The "soul-making" process remains a theoretical construct without direct empirical evidence.
Overall, soul-making theodicy offers a plausible explanation for the existence of evil and suffering, placing it within the context of human development and spiritual growth. However, it remains a controversial and contested concept, with significant limitations and criticisms.
To learn more about Hick's soul-making theodicy, consider reading his books, "Evil and the God of Love" and "The Problem of Evil."