Logan,
Please don't take this as anything other than trying to figure out why this person is of importance.
Now you read the book and you obviously attribute some type of importance to Mr. Hick. All I want to know is why. I don't think it's that hard.
As far as reading him. I read one of his lectures (from his website) and found it tediously boring. I also found him to be pluralistic. Though he appeared to beat about the bush on that subject.
Regarding my garage/church analogy. I thought it was pretty plain. However, I'll explain it to you. You can claim to be a Christian. You can have all the talk down, and still be a non-Christian.
Lastly, you asked you did prop him up as an "authority" whether you believe it or not. But I'll give you this. Perhaps you were looking for someone to agree with you that this person is a theologian of note. I was under the impression that you attributed to Mr. Hick some type of "authority". At least that was how it came across to me.
I don't want to turn this into a p*ssing match between us. I have read many of your posts, and though I would disagree with some of your views, I have found your arguments to be sound. All and all you have great talent at arguing (used in the classic context of persuasion).
Peace, out.
LABD