“Theosis” is a theological concept that originated in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition and is sometimes referred to as “deification” or “divinization.” It is a complex and profound idea that describes the process by which human beings participate in the divine nature of God. Here are some aspects to note about Theosis:
Theosis is a concept particularly rooted in Eastern Orthodoxy. It emphasizes the transformative journey of human beings toward a union with God, reflecting the belief that humans are created in the image and likeness of God and are called to share in His divine life.
Theosis finds support in various biblical passages, such as 2 Peter 1:4, which speaks of becoming “partakers of the divine nature.” The idea is that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, humanity is offered the opportunity to be united with God in a profound and intimate way.
Theosis is not a mere intellectual understanding of God but involves a transformative process. It is a journey of spiritual growth and union with God, where individuals strive to become more like God in character and virtue. This process is seen as ongoing and dynamic, involving both God’s grace and human cooperation.
Theosis involves participation in the uncreated energies of God rather than in His essence. This means that while humans can partake in the divine life and experience God’s grace, they do not become God in His essence, which remains transcendent and beyond human comprehension.
Theosis is often closely tied to the sacramental life of the Church, particularly through participation in the Eucharist and other sacraments. Prayer, contemplation, and ascetic practices are also considered essential for theosis, as they contribute to the purification and illumination of the soul.
Theosis is viewed as a continuous process that extends throughout one’s life. It involves a movement from spiritual infancy to maturity, guided by the Holy Spirit. The goal is for individuals to be increasingly conformed to the likeness of Christ, reflecting His love, humility, and other divine attributes.
Theosis is not solely an individual pursuit but also has an ecclesial dimension. The Church, as the body of Christ, plays a crucial role in facilitating the journey of the faithful toward theosis. Communal worship, fellowship, and shared spiritual practices contribute to the overall growth of the Church and its members.
Theosis, or otherwise known as, Deification in the religious ideal of Orthodoxy, although often falsified as an implication of humankind’s prospect to become God or an equivalent thereof, maintains that experiencing God through personal restitution from refining the sacramental benchmarks of Orthodoxy enables the interpenetration of humankind with divine energies. Deification thusly is not a method for which humankind can become God, but continuously suggests the ongoing necessity for practical transformation of humankind, inciting unification with God.
Timothy Ware, in “The Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity”, demonstrates the most central elements of the Orthodox doctrine through deliberation of God’s absolute transcendence and holitic independence from the material universe, beyond all known physical laws. Because humanity was conformed to the likeness of the Divine Trinity, our human conception of its doctrine cannot therefore transcend the confines to the distinct ideologies of Trinitarian doctrine. He suggests the following assertions: God is fully transcendent; God, although transcendent in full is not divided from his creation; God is personal and Trinitarian; our God is an Incarnate God, and He is one essence in three hypostases. The living goal founded on Orthodox spirituality is therefore the “deification of man and his union with God, without being merged with Him,”[35] which can only be achieved through a union that is first realized in the Trinity.
[35] Dumitru Stăniloae, “Orthodox Spirituality: A Practical Guide for the Faithful and a Definitive Manual for the Scholar”, South Canaan, PA: St. Tikhon's Seminary Press, 2002.
Relating Deification to the ethics of race and culture demands a characterization of this ethical issue: Racial and cultural disparities are ethical issues, being proponents of divide in an array of social settings, however I argue can be influenced to realign with religious ideologies through a culturally-transforming love, set forth by the Holy Trinity, and encouraging unity among fellow believers and with God. The concept of theosis, emphasizing the transformative journey toward union with God and participation in divine life, holds significant implications for fostering racial unity within the Church. At its core, theosis begins with the recognition that all human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, irrespective of their racial or ethnic background. This foundational understanding establishes a shared identity that transcends cultural differences, forming the basis for a collective spiritual journey toward union with God.
The common pursuit of theosis encourages believers to appreciate and celebrate the diversity inherent in God’s creation. By acknowledging the richness of different cultural expressions within the faith community, the Church embraces a more inclusive and vibrant spiritual environment. Moreover, theosis challenges divisive distinctions and hierarchies among people, urging believers to overcome barriers based on race, ethnicity, or any external factor. As individuals progress in theosis, the process involves the purification and transformation of the soul, which naturally opposes prejudiced attitudes and biases. The communal aspect of theosis further enhances this transformative journey, as believers support and encourage one another. The Church, as the body of Christ, serves as a witness to unity in diversity, modeling racial unity and demonstrating that the transformative power of God’s grace transcends cultural boundaries. A Church united in its pursuit of theosis can effectively counteract societal divisions and contribute to a vision of a truly inclusive and harmonious community. In essence, theosis provides a theological framework that encourages the Church to embrace diversity and work collectively toward a more unified and inclusive spiritual community.