Deification

Theologies of “self-divinization” typically refer to concepts like theosis or deification, which in Eastern Orthodox Christianity is the process of becoming united with God and participating in the divine nature. This process is understood as a transformation into Christ-likeness and is achieved through a life of cooperation with God’s grace, not by becoming an independent god. While the idea can be misunderstood, particularly in some Western interpretations, it is also a theme in other traditions and has historical roots in early Jewish and Christian thought.

Christian theologies

Theosis/Deification: This is the process of divinization, or “being made god,” in Eastern Orthodox theology. It means participating in God’s divine life and becoming god-like through union with Christ, not becoming a separate deity.

Union with God: This process is achieved through a cooperative effort between human free will and God’s grace, leading to a transformation into the image of God.

Scriptural basis: The concept is supported by scriptural passages like John 1:12 (“To those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God”) and 2 Peter 1:4 (“you may come to share in the divine nature”).

Historical figures: Early theologians like Saint Athanasius famously stated, “The Son of God became man so that man might become God [by grace]”.

Matured in 20th century Protestantism: While traditionally associated with Orthodoxy, the concept is gaining wider discussion in Protestant circles today.

Other related concepts and interpretations

Mythic themes: Self-deification also appears in myths, particularly in early Jewish and Christian contexts, where figures like Adam and Lucifer are described as deifying themselves, often with negative results.

Gnostic interpretations: In certain gnostic mythologies, figures like Yaldabaoth are portrayed as self-deifying beings who are cast as cosmic rebels.

Hinduism: In Hinduism, a human may be deified through various processes, such as being considered an avatar of an established deity, or by being recognized as a new, independent deity.

Apothesosis: This term can refer to the elevation of a person to divine status, as depicted in art (e.g., The Apotheosis of Washington).

Theologies of self-divinization, also known as deification or theosis, are theological doctrines, primarily in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, that describe the process of humans becoming divine through participation in God’s life. This is understood not as becoming God by nature but as being united with God and made “god-like” by grace, transforming into God’s image through a process of spiritual purification, illumination, and unification. The goal is to participate in the divine nature and life, ultimately leading to a state of union with God, as seen in the concept of theosis. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Key concepts

Theosis/Deification/Divinization: These terms refer to the process of becoming like God. It’s considered the ultimate goal of salvation in some Christian traditions.
Three stages: The process is often described in three stages:

• Purification (Katharsis): The initial stage of cleansing oneself from passions and sinful intentions through spiritual struggle.

• Illumination (Theoria): The stage of being filled with divine light and beginning to have a vision of God.

• Unification (Theosis): The final stage of achieving a full, direct union with God.
Participation in divine life: Believers are said to become “partakers in the divine nature”. This happens through the grace of the Holy Spirit and participation in sacraments and the life of the Church.
Union without losing identity: The process involves becoming united to God without losing individual identity, where God’s life is shared with the believer and their life is divinized.
Kenosis (Self-emptying): The path to theosis is often described through the concept of kenosis, referencing Christ’s self-emptying in the incarnation as a model for human humility and self-denial. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

Scriptural and theological basis

Biblical references: The concept is supported by scripture, such as references to partaking in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and being called “gods” in some Psalms (Psalm 82:6, quoted in John 10:34).
The role of Christ: The process is seen as enabled by Christ’s work, and believers are transformed into his image, becoming part of his “divinized Body”.
Mystical and corporate nature: Theosis is a mystical process that takes place within the Body of Christ, which is the Church. It is not just an individual but also a corporate achievement, with believers being built up into a mature corporate identity in Christ. [5, 8, 10, 11, 12]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] wikipedia/en/Theosis_(Eastern_Christian_theology)