73%
Confidence
Belief overview
Theosis
Salvation includes real participation in divine life by grace.
3
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: Theosis, or deification, is the doctrine according to which the human being is called to participate in divine life by grace, without being confused with the essence of God.
How the religion understands it: Salvation is seen not only as juridical forgiveness, but as healing, illumination, sanctification, and union with God. Christ assumes humanity in order to restore it and raise it into divine communion.
Context: This language is highly characteristic of the Eastern tradition and appears prominently in patristic authors and in Orthodox spirituality.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
2 Peter 1:4
Participation in the divine nature.
Reference: 2 Peter 1:4.
Content: The text speaks of participation in the divine promises and in the divine nature.
Use in debate: It is one of the most important passages for the doctrine of theosis.
Athanasius, On the Incarnation 54
Classic formula connected with deification.
Reference: Athanasius of Alexandria, On the Incarnation, section 54.
Content: The text is known for the formulation that God became man so that the human being might be raised by grace.
Use in debate: It is a central patristic source for the language of deification.
Gregory Palamas, Triads
Classic text of hesychast spirituality and theology.
Reference: Gregory Palamas, Triads.
Content: The work develops important distinctions between divine essence and divine energies, linked to human participation in God.
Use in debate: It is fundamental for late medieval Orthodox theology and for the understanding of theosis.