According to Hick's perspective on the problem of evil, what is a necessary condition for human growth?

Hick's perspective on the problem of evil emphasizes the significance of suffering in facilitating human growth and moral development. He proposes that encountering challenges, including suffering and evil, is crucial for individuals to develop virtues such as compassion, courage, and resilience. In his view, a world devoid of suffering might hinder the opportunities for such personal and moral growth. Thus, suffering serves as a necessary condition for humans to overcome adversity and to cultivate their character.

By engaging with hardship, individuals can learn valuable lessons that contribute to their personal development and can foster deeper connections with others. This process is fundamental to Hick’s understanding of the “soul-making” value of suffering, which ultimately supports the idea that a world with suffering is necessary for achieving a higher moral and spiritual state.