Amnell, Matti T.
Thesis (doctoral)--Helsingin Yliopisto 1999.

Abstract

Matti T. Amnell, L. Th., M.A.
1999 University of Helsinki
ISBN 952-9791-31-3

The Universe of Faiths: The challenge of John Hick´s religious pluralism, and the debate it has inspired.
The aim of this study is to examine the main themes of John Hick´s pluralistic thought and the discussions his ideas have inspired. On what concepts does Hick base his theory of the relations between religions? How does his theory depict major religions and how could it promote their mutual reconciliation?
The study found that John Hick´s pluralism is based on a metaphorical interpretation of Copernicus´ astronomical model. God, that is The Ultimate Truth, is the center of all religions around which they revolve in the way of planets. They are different, of equal value and complementary answers to the same Reality. Conflicting doctrines can be interpreted as myths, and taken not as literally true, but as only evoking appropriate attitudes towards Reality. The same Reality is experienced in different religions in dissimilar ways, but Reality itself is outside the limits of human knowledge and human concepts. All religions share the basic structure of salvation: from self-centredness to Reality-centredness. Missionary work should become co-operation between religions. Through dialogue, religions can approach each other in such a way as to finally regard each other as modern western denominations do.
My assessment of Hick´s theory showed that in describing religions, he does not base himself on a self-understanding of the traditions, but wants to change them. His meta-theory does not describe the religions in an accurate way. Hick´s pluralism is thus shown to be a speculative expression of faith. His idea about the nature of the doctrines is arbitrary. Hick´s image of God approaches agnosticism. Missionary work must be considered as one of the fundamental rights of religions. Because of this, Hick´s pluralism cannot efficiently help religions come closer to each other, but it can serve as a catalyst for discussion.

Uskontojen universumi:

Englantilainen John Hick (1922-) tuli nuorena konservatiivisena teologina kuuluisaksi uskonnonfilosofisista teorioista, jotka ovat muodostuneet jo klassisiksi. Hickin ajattelu muuttui radikaalisti 1970-luvulla. Hän hylkäsi perinteisen kristinuskon ja alkoi hahmotella "toista kristinuskoa", jossa kielletään Jeesuksen jumaluus. Hän kehitti "kopernikaaniseksi vallankumoukseksi" nimittämänsä teorian, jonka mukaan suuret maailmanuskonnot ovat samanarvoisia vastauksia jumalalliselle Todellisuudelle. Matti T. Amnellin tutkimuksessa on perehdytty huolellisesti John Hickin myöhäiskauden tuotantoon ja Hickin pluralistisen uskonkäsityksen herättämään keskusteluun. Siinä annetaan Hickin ajattelulle paikka teologian ja filosofian virtausten joukossa. Voiko John Hickin teologinen pluralismi edistää uskontojen välisiä suhteita vai onko sitä pidettävä uutena synkretistisenä uskontona?

An Abstract
Matti T. Amnell, L.Th, M. A.
1999 University of Helsinki
Dissertation in philosophy of religion
ISBN 952-9791-31-3

The Universe of Faiths: The challenge of John Hick's religious pluralism and the debate it has inspired.
Contents: John Hick, pluralismi, uskonnonfilosofia, uskontoteologia, valistus, suuret maailmanuskonnot, lähetystyö, uskonnollinen kieli