Theosis | FidesDB

What it is: Theosis designates the participation of the human being in the divine life by grace.

How the tradition understands it: Salvation is seen as healing, illumination, and communion with God, and not only as juridical forgiveness. Christ assumes humanity to restore it and elevate it.

Basis and context: The language of deification is deeply associated with the Greek Fathers and Orthodox spirituality.

Debates and variations: Compared with modern Western Christian currents, the emphasis and terminology can sound unusual, but they occupy a central place in the Eastern tradition.

Supportive

Gregory Palamas, Triads

greek-orthodox-church,palamas,hesychasm,theosis

Decisive text for classical formulation of hesychasm and theosis.

Reference: Gregory Palamas, Triads.
Content: The work develops hesychast prayer and participation of the human being in divine energies without confusion with the essence of God.
Use in debate: Central source for theosis and hesychast spirituality.

Maximus the Confessor

greek-orthodox-church,maximus-confessor,theosis,patristic

The Greek tradition recognizes Maximus as important voice in theological and spiritual synthesis.

Reference: Works of Maximus the Confessor.
Content: His writings articulate Christology, asceticism, and vocation of the human being to communion with God.
Use in debate: Important source for theosis and Greek patristic tradition.

Philokalia

greek-orthodox-church,philokalia,asceticism,hesychasm

Spiritual collection of great influence in the Orthodox tradition.

Reference: Philokalia.
Content: The collection gathers ascetic and contemplative texts on vigilance, prayer, and purification of the heart.
Use in debate: Central source of Greek Orthodox and hesychast spirituality.