Date of Award

Spring 1999

Document Type

Dissertation - Restricted

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Theology

First Advisor

Hinze, Bradford

Second Advisor

Barnes, Michel

Third Advisor

Dabney, D. L.

Abstract

The primary purpose of this dissertation is threefold. First, I shall present a description and analysis of the rise and subsequent development of Hick's pluralist hypothesis. The central lens through which I will view this development will be the 'conflicting conceptions' problematic and Hick's various responses to it. Second, I shall offer a summary discussion of the most challenging criticisms that have been leveled against Hick's mature model of religious pluralism. Finally, I shall develop a critique of Hick's mature pluralist model from an 'immanent,' internal perspective by asking the question: 'Does it work'? That is, does Hick's pluralist philosophy/theology of world religions deliver the conceptual goods required of it? Again, the primary touchstone that will be used to answer this general query will be the question of just how successful Hick's current response to the 'conflicting conceptions' problem actually is.

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