The Concept of Theosis And Its Possibility in Christianity

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Candidate, Sufism and Islamic Mysticism, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom

2 Associate Professor, Imam Khomeini Center for Research and Education, Qom

3 Associate Professor, Department of Sufism and Islamic Mysticism, University of Religions and Denominations

Abstract

The general goal and destination of spiritual life in orthodox Christianity is expressed through the concept of theosis (or deification). Throughout Philokalia which is a large and respected collection in the mystical orthodox Christianity, it is proclaimed that human beings are creatures which are decided to become God. That is to say, what they are called to is not merely obedience towards God in the form of a morality-oriented lifestyle. But, rather, in addition to leading a moral life, they should immediately and in reliance upon their inner self and essence share the being and majesty of God who is a hypostatic union. From the perspective of Philokalia’s authors and commentators, theosis is the prime message of the book and a theme which unifies and standardizes the huge text which is comprised from different texts. This article tries to explore theosis from different perspectives, and finally to reach a clear conclusion on the way it is possible in the view of the saints of Philokalia.

Keywords

References

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