SECTION III: How do I know?

John Hick was an important philosopher and theologian whose work on the problem of evil was of particular influence. He bases his theodicy on some views advanced by an early Christian father, St. Iranaeus of Lyons. On this view, we are to understand human existence as a lengthy process of "soul-making", in which we gradually develop a "likeness" to God.

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"For if any one take away the substance of flesh, that is, of the handiwork [of God], and understand that which is purely spiritual, such then would not be a spiritual man but would be the spirit of a man, or the Spirit of God. But when the spirit here blended with the soul is united to [God’s] handiwork, the man is rendered spiritual and perfect because of the outpouring of the Spirit, and this is he who was made in the image and likeness of God. But if the Spirit be wanting to the soul, he who is such is indeed of an animal nature, and being left carnal, shall be an imperfect being, possessing indeed the image [of God] in his formation, but not receiving the likeness through the Spirit; and thus is this being imperfect."

- St. Iranaeus, Against Heresies v.vi.1

Professor Hick, 1922-2012

In iconographic image of St. Iraneaus (c. 130-200 C.E.)

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