Drawing on mystical and religious traditions ancient and modern, and spiritual thinkers as diverse as Julian of Norwich and Mahatma Gandhi. John Hick has produced a tightly argued and thoroughly readable case for a reality in which a fifth, spiritual dimension plays a central role.
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Noted theologian Hick believes that humans are living in such a highly technological "Western" culture that we have accepted an exclusively humanistic/scientific account of our existence and ignored the importance of the "fifth dimension"Aour spirituality and its influences upon our lives. To this end, Hick's long, rambling book, borrowing liberally and heavily from all world religions, considers our spiritual nature and its importance to our well-being. Deeply, intelligently, and passionately, he explores the meaning of life as stated by different faiths, the nature and validity of religious experiences, and the necessary influence of the spiritual over the physical. His general premise leaves little room for argument, though, which makes for a less engaging book. He is preaching to the converted, giving them arguments to use against those who raise the scientific over the religious. Yet the book does a good job of reiterating its major theme and can be read for enjoyment by those interested in spirituality. Marginally recommended for all libraries.AGlenn Masuchika, Chaminade Univ. of Honolulu
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Less academic than his other writings,but challenging; Hick's theory of religious pluralism is currently the most popular form of religious pluralism. -- Mennonite Brethren Herald
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16 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent guide to Religious Pluralism,
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This review is from: Fifth Dimension (Paperback)
Hick uses the common ground of mysticism to explore the Real, Transcendent Other behind religions and what may lie in store for us after death. He stresses the optimism of all the systems (the good news) and the need for selfless humanitarian action (love) in this world.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Preeminent Philosopher's Preeminent Book,
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This review is from: The Fifth Dimension: An Exploration of the Spiritual Realm (Paperback)
John Hick has long been known as a philosopher, a philosopher of religion, who is eminently clear thinking, and even more valuably, clear writing. Whether the reader agrees or disagrees with him, s/he knows clearly what it is s/he agrees or disagrees with!
In "The Fifth Dimension" John is at his preeminent best. He takes utterly seriously the "naturalist" explanation of the meaning, or lack thereof, of life, and does not dismiss it - for it cannot be disproved. However, neither can the "religious" explanation of the meaning of life be disproved. The vision of what it means to be human in the context of our amazing scientific probing of the mysteries of the cosmos that he outlines and details is truly breathtaking. I can only end with the words Augustine is said to have heard: Tolle, lege! Leonard Swidler, dialogue@temple.edu
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Is Reality benign?,
This review is from: The Fifth Dimension: An Exploration of the Spiritual Realm (Paperback)
Hick's excellent book presents the case for optimism that Ultimate Reality, although ineffable and beyond human categories of thought, is benign. While giving naturalism a fair presentation, the implication that it is bad news for the many is shown clearly. The fifth dimension is a spiritual realm which transcends the physical world. There is something within each of us which is akin to that realm. With full humility Hick presents the case for the view that we are finite fallible fragments of the universe, and that each of the major religious traditions is a path (not the only path) to Reality. His pluralistic thesis is well supported with examples from all the great religious traditions.
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33
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- John Hick: A Critical Introduction and Reflection by David Cheetham on 8 pages
- A Modern Introduction to Theology: New Questions for Old Beliefs by Philip Kennedy on page 246, page 247, and Back Matter
- Doubts and Loves: What is Left of Christianity by Richard Holloway in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- An Introduction to the Theology of Religions: Biblical, Historical & Contemporary Perspectives by Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen on page 284, and Back Matter
- Philosophical Theology and Christian Doctrine (Exploring the Philosophy of Religion) by Brian Hebblethwaite on page 33, and Back Matter
See all 33 books citing this book
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