Q: Compare St. Augustine’s and John Hick’s theodicy
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St. Augustine’s and John Hick’s theodicies offer two distinct approaches to addressing the problem of evil within the context of their respective theological frameworks. While both seek to reconcile the existence of evil with the belief in a benevolent God, they differ significantly in their underlying philosophies and conclusions. Here’s a comparison of their theodicies:
St. Augustine’s Theodicy
Overview: St. Augustine, a key figure in early Christian theology, developed his theodicy in the context of the Christian doctrine of original sin and the fall of humanity. Augustine’s views were primarily influenced by his interpretations of Scripture and his understanding of human nature.
Key Features:
- Original Sin: Augustine posits that evil entered the world through the original sin of Adam and Eve. This first act of disobedience led to a fallen state for all of humanity, resulting in moral and natural evil.
- Free Will: Augustine emphasizes the importance of free will as a gift from God. He argues that humans have the capacity to choose between good and evil, and moral evil arises from the misuse of this free will. God allows free will to maintain genuine love and moral responsibility.
- God’s Goodness: Augustine contends that everything God created is fundamentally good. Evil is not a created substance but rather a privation of good (privatio boni). In this sense, evil exists because good is absent or corrupted.
- Redemptive Purpose: Augustine believes that God can bring good out of evil. The existence of evil serves a greater purpose in God’s plan for redemption, ultimately leading to the salvation of humanity through Jesus Christ.
- Eschatological Hope: Augustine’s theodicy includes an eschatological dimension, wherein he emphasizes the hope of eternal life and ultimate justice. He argues that the suffering experienced in this life will be resolved in the afterlife, where God’s justice will prevail.
John Hick’s Theodicy
Overview: John Hick, a 20th-century philosopher of religion, developed his theodicy in the context of process theology and the concept of “soul-making.” Hick’s approach is influenced by his understanding of human development and the role of suffering in spiritual growth.
Key Features:
- Soul-Making Theodicy: Hick proposes that the primary purpose of human existence is “soul-making,” where individuals develop virtues and moral character through their experiences, including suffering and challenges. This process is essential for spiritual maturation.
- Epistemic Distance: Hick introduces the idea of “epistemic distance,” which refers to the separation between God and humanity. He argues that God maintains this distance to allow humans the freedom to choose to believe and engage in a genuine relationship with Him.
- Value of Free Will: Like Augustine, Hick emphasizes the significance of free will. He asserts that free will is necessary for genuine love and moral growth. However, he frames it within the context of the broader process of soul-making.
- Natural Evil: Hick argues that natural evils (e.g., earthquakes, diseases) play a role in the development of human virtues, such as compassion and resilience. He suggests that such evils are integral to the human experience and contribute to spiritual growth.
- Universal Salvation: Hick’s theodicy carries a universalist perspective, where he suggests that ultimately, all individuals will be reconciled with God. He believes that God’s love and grace will eventually lead to the salvation of all souls, emphasizing hope and inclusivity.
Comparison
Aspect | St. Augustine’s Theodicy | John Hick’s Theodicy |
---|---|---|
Nature of Evil | Evil is a privation of good caused by original sin. | Evil is a necessary part of soul-making and human development. |
Source of Evil | Arises from the misuse of free will (original sin). | Result of human freedom and the epistemic distance between God and humanity. |
Role of Free Will | Essential for moral responsibility; humans choose good or evil. | Essential for genuine relationship with God; allows for moral growth. |
Purpose of Suffering | God can bring good out of evil; leads to redemption and salvation. | Suffering is a means of developing virtues and character; essential for spiritual growth. |
Eschatological Perspective | Emphasizes ultimate justice and redemption through Christ. | Proposes universal reconciliation with God in the end. |
Conclusion
While both St. Augustine and John Hick provide theodicies that address the problem of evil, their approaches differ significantly in their theological foundations and implications. Augustine’s theodicy focuses on the consequences of original sin, the nature of free will, and the ultimate redemption of humanity, while Hick’s theodicy emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, the role of suffering, and the hope of universal salvation. Both perspectives contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the nature of evil and the character of God within the context of human experience.