Becoming Like God: an Evangelical Doctrine of Theosis

JETS 40/2 (June 1997) 257269 BECOMING LIKE GOD: AN evangelistic DOCTRINE OF THEOSIS ROBERT V. RAKESTRAW* In one of his letters Athanasius, the fourth-century defender of the faith, do his famous statement that the Son of God became man that he office deify us in himself. 1 elsewhere he wrote similarly that Christ was made man that we might be made God. 2 This is the doctrine of theosis, also cognize as deiËœcation, divinization or, as some prefer, participation in God.3 part the concept of theosis has roots in the ante-Nicene period, it is not an antiquated historical curiosity. The idea of divinization, of redeemed human nature somehow fighting(a) in the very life of God, is found to a surprise extent throughout Christian history, although it is practically unknown to the majority of Christians (and even many theologians) in the west. In Orthodox pietism, however, it is the overbearing doctrine. Furthermore it is not too much to say that the divinization of kindness is the central theme, chief aim, basic purpose, or principal(a) ghostly ideal of Orthodoxy.4 With the growing interest in eastern Orthodox/evangelical rapprochement it is essential that theosis studies be pursued. Evangelicals may receive considerable beneËœt from a clear discernment and judicious appropriation of the doctrine.

This is so particularly in cleared of the crying need for a robust, Biblical theology of the Christian life that depart refute and replace the plethora of stupid spiritualities plaguing Church and society. Daniel Clendenin has introduced our topic in a very facilitatory article in this Journal 5 and in his obtain on Eastern Orthodox Christianity. 6 In my appendage to his work I will draw upon diˆerent materials, both primary and secondary. After presenting some of the key ideas and proponents of divinization theology I will oˆer an introductory critique of the concept. * Robert Rakestraw is professor of theology at Bethel Theological Seminary, 3949 Bethel Drive, St. Paul, MN... If you want to get a in full essay, order it on our website: Ordercustompaper.com

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