Deification in Christian Theology

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Deification, Divinization, or Theosis (literally "becoming god") is a theological concept that has gained widespread attention in recent years. It is often associated with Eastern Christian theology, usually with the sense that it represents an exotic view, one which is at best an optional extra or at worst an utter abrogation of the Christian faith. The idea, however, that the sanctification of the human being can in some way be described as deification is not as marginal or alien to the Christian tradition as many assume. Beginning with Scripture and moving through early, medieval, and modern Christian texts, this course will explore the ways in which Christians have talked about holiness as connected with deification. The aim of the course is to introduce a rich, multifaceted, and increasingly debated topic in Christian Theology as well as spur reflection and discussion of its meaning and relevance.