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.