Mystical Doctrines of Deification

Mystical Doctrines of Deification
Author: John Arblaster
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 350
Release: 2018-10-03
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1351189093

The notion of the deification of the human person (theosis, theopoièsis, deificatio) was one of the most fundamental themes of Christian theology in its first centuries, especially in the Greek world. It is often assumed that this theme was exclusively developed in Eastern theology after the patristic period, and thus its presence in the theology of the Latin West is generally overlooked. The aim of this collection is to explore some Patristic articulations of the doctrine in both the East and West, but also to highlight its enduring presence in the Western tradition and its relevance for contemporary thought. The collection thus brings together a number of capita selecta that focus on the development of theosis through the ages until the Early Modern Period. It is unique, not only in emphasising the role of theosis in the West, but also in bringing to the fore a number of little-known authors and texts, and analysing their theology from a variety of fresh perspectives. Thus, mystical theology in the West is shown to have profound connections with similar concerns in the East and with the common patristic sources. By tying these traditions together, this volume brings new insight to one of mysticism’s key concerns. As such, it will be of significant interest to scholars of religious studies, mysticism, theology and the history of religion.

The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition

The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition
Author: Norman Russell
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Total Pages: 432
Release: 2005-01-21
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0191532711

Deification in the Greek patristic tradition was the fulfilment of the destiny for which humanity was created - not merely salvation from sin but entry into the fullness of the divine life of the Trinity. This book, the first on the subject for over sixty years, traces the history of deification from its birth as a second-century metaphor with biblical roots to its maturity as a doctrine central to the spiritual life of the Byzantine Church. Drawing attention to the richness and diversity of the patristic approaches from Irenaeus to Maximus the Confessor, Norman Russell offers a full discussion of the background and context of the doctrine, at the same time highlighting its distinctively Christian character.

Theosis

Theosis
Author: Stephen Finlan
Publisher: James Clarke & Company
Total Pages: 193
Release: 2010-02-25
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0227903544

'Deification' refers to the transformation of believers into the likeness of God. Of course, Christian monotheism goes against any literal 'god making' of believers. Rather, the NT speaks of a transformation of mind, a metamorphosis of character, a redefinition of selfhood, and an imitation of God. Most of these passages are tantalizingly brief, and none spells out the concept in detail.

Theosis/deification

Theosis/deification
Author: John Arblaster
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2018
Genre: Deification (Christianity)
ISBN: 9789042936232

This volume brings together a series of contributions by leading theologians on the doctrine of theosis or deification in the Eastern and Western Christian traditions. While it is still often assumed that the theme of theosis was exclusively developed in the Eastern theological tradition after the Patristic period, and that it has since been a contentious and even divisive theological subject, this volume was explicitly conceived as a forum for ecumenical encounter and as an opportunity to explore articulations of this doctrine in both the Eastern and Western traditions. Presenting case studies that treat a variety of periods, theological fields, and authors, this volume highlights the richness and relevance of the doctrine of deification.

The One Christ

The One Christ
Author: David Vincent Meconi
Publisher: Catholic University of America Press
Total Pages: 304
Release: 2013
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0813221277

By treating Augustine's passages on deification both chronologically and constructively, Meconi situates Augustine in a long chorus of Christian pastors and theologians who understand the essence of Christianity as the human person's total and transformative union with God.

Becoming Divine

Becoming Divine
Author: M. David Litwa
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 291
Release: 2013-10-30
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1625641559

"Some have called it the essence of sin, others the depth of salvation. Regardless of one's evaluation of it, however, deification throughout Western history has been a part of human aspiration. From the ancient pharaohs to modern transhumanists, people have envisioned their own divinity. These visionaries include not only history's greatest megalomaniacs, but also mystics, sages, apostles, prophets, magicians, bishops, philosophers, atheists, and monks. Some aimed for independent deity, others realized their eternal union with God. Some anticipated godhood in heaven, others walked as gods on earth. Some accepted divinity by grace, others achieved it by their own will to power. There is no single form of deification (indeed, deification is as manifold as the human conception of God), but the many types are united by a set of interlocking themes: achieving immortality, wielding superhuman power, being filled with supernatural knowledge or love--and through these means transcending normal human (or at least ""earthly"") nature. "

Not of this World

Not of this World
Author: James S. Cutsinger
Publisher: World Wisdom, Inc
Total Pages: 312
Release: 2003
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9780941532419

Anthology of nearly two thousand years of Christian mystical writings from Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant perspectives.

On Deification and Sacred Eloquence

On Deification and Sacred Eloquence
Author: Louise Nelstrop
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2019-10-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 100069108X

This book considers the place of deification in the writings of Julian of Norwich and Richard Rolle, two of the fourteenth-century English Mystics. It argues that, as a consequence of a belief in deification, both produce writing that is helpfully viewed as sacred eloquence. The book begins by discussing the nature of deification, employing Norman Russell’s typology. It explores the realistic and ethical approaches found in the writings of several Early Greek Fathers, including Irenaeus of Lyons, Cyril of Alexandria, Origen, and Evagrius Ponticus, as well as engaging with the debate around whether deification is a theological idea found in the West across its history. The book then turns its attention to Julian and Rolle, arguing that both promote forms of deification: Rolle offering a primarily ethical approach, while Julian’s approach is more realistic. Finally, the book addresses the issue of sacred eloquence, arguing that both Rolle and Julian, in some sense, view their words as divinely inspired in ways that demand an exegetical response that is para-biblical. Offering an important perspective on a previously understudied area of mysticism and deification, this book will be of interest to scholars of mysticism, theology, and Middle English religious literature.

Weight of Glory

Weight of Glory
Author: C. S. Lewis
Publisher: Zondervan
Total Pages: 212
Release: 2001-03-20
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0060653205

Selected from sermons delivered by C. S. Lewis during World War II, these nine addresses offer guidance and inspiration in a time of great doubt.These are ardent and lucid sermons that provide a compassionate vision of Christianity.