God Has Many Names

by John Harwood Hick

Book Overview

A major revolution in thinking about religion is called for in this challenging work by theologian and religious philosopher John Hick. The author persuasively argues for a true religious pluralism, respectful of the non-Christian traditions that have persisted over time--Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 066424419X
• ISBN13: 9780664244194
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Solid argument for religious pluralism

As a leading apologist for religious pluralism, Hick in this book profusely offers sound proof for the case. The erudite philosopher diligently gathers a bundle of psalms, scriptures and theologies from the world's monotheistic religions, concluding convincingly that all ways worshiping the Creator,or First Cause, or Eternal Being have congenial essence and each one reflects its own cultural influence on the perception of the Supreme Being. Very well done, Mr Hick. This book seems less verbose than his other marvelous work "Metaphor of God Incarnate" but more knowledge-oriented.

Enlightening

Depending on where your faith is placed, this book will be one of your favorites or heretical!! Because pluralism speaks to me, it is one of the most enlightening books I have ever read. I believe God is real and found in many "forms". As Hicks quotes from the Bhagavad-Gita......."Howsoever men may approach me, even so do I accept them; for, on all sides, whatever path they may choose is mine".

The Challenge of Pluralism

This is one of the first books I read after moving from Christianity to agnosticism to a more theistic worldview. John Hick is one of the leading philosophers promoting the idea that all axial (major) religions are valid paths to god as well as many lesser known belief systems. Being that his audience is mainly composed of Christians or influenced by Christian culture, Hick focuses on Christian exclusivists (those who believe in only one way to God and that being Christianity) must overcome their confining worldview in light of the fact Christianity has failed to bring about the Kingdom of God; we're no better than other cultures and sometimes worse. Anyone wishing to defend an exclusivistic path should read this or any of the other books among Hick's publications. Anyone thinking Christianity might be wrong in it's traditional approach should also read this book to discover a new, valid approach. As Paul said, "...when I became an adult, I put away childish things."