John Hick, an influential theologian and philosopher who died earlier this year, was drawn to issues that transcend any particular tradition—the question of evil, the meaning of suffering, life after death, and religious diversity.

Hick turned from studying law to studying theology and his life followed a course rich with experience. World War II saw Hick take the difficult decision to register as a conscientious objector. Avoiding combat, Hick was involved in an ambulance unit which saw service across the Mediterranean. After the war he trained as a Presbyterian minister and, in the remainder of his life, he taught, wrote, fought racism in 1970s Birmingham, and even underwent a trial for heresy.