Theosis and salvation as transformation

Salvation is understood as participation in divine life and real transformation of the human being.

73%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: The Russian Orthodox tradition shares the doctrine of theosis or deification by grace.

How the tradition understands it: Salvation is not reduced to juridical absolution, but includes healing, illumination, sanctification, and growing communion with God.

Basis and context: Greek fathers, hesychast tradition, and Russian spiritual theology support this understanding.

Debates and variations: Compared with modern Western currents, the terminology may seem less familiar, but it occupies a central place in the Orthodox tradition.

Supportive

Gregory Palamas, Triads

russian-orthodox-church,palamas,hesychasm,theosis

Decisive text for hesychasm and theosis, very influential in the Russian tradition.

Reference: Gregory Palamas, Triads.
Content: The work develops hesychast prayer and participation in divine energies.
Use in debate: Central for theosis and hesychast spirituality in Russian reception.

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 in Russian reception

russian-orthodox-church,philokalia,asceticism,prayer

The Philokalia had deep influence on Russian Orthodox spirituality.

Reference: Philokalia and its Russian reception, including in Slavonic collections and translations.
Content: The material gathers ascetic and contemplative texts on vigilance, prayer, and purification of the heart.
Use in debate: Central source for spirituality, Jesus Prayer, and hesychasm.