THEOSIS - DEIFICATION AS THE PURPOSE OF MAN'S LIFE

Greekorthodoxchurch.org ^ | 1995 | Archimandrite George Abbott of the Holy Monastery of St. Gregorios on Mount Athos

[pankot]

As a student of John Wesley I suggest reading his sermon on “Christian Perfection”. Unfortunately, many people have mis-interpreted it to mean if we are just “good” enough we can be perfect in this life and thus see God. The whole point is that Perfection is a long process that after death puts us in the presence of God which is achieved thru sanctifying grace which is available to all humanity by God thru the mediation of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 12:14(b) “..and holiness the holiness without which no one will SEE the Lord.” (My emphasis)

[kosta50]

I guess I’ll just have to cut that passage out of my New Testament. And return my M.Div to the Seminary

That's all you can come up with? I give you bible quotes and you give me this? Maybe you should do exactly as you say.

[kosta50]

But before I comment further, I would like you to discuss more in depth the concept of God’s energies. This is a terminology that we generally do not use, although it could just be a different term for some concept we hold in common.

Simply put, God's energies are what God does, not what He is, i.e. His nature (ousia, essence). Thus, God's love is God's uncreated energy which we can partake in. We cannot partake in His ousia.

The Catholic position on this is clear (or at least it used to be for seven hundred years). According to the Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent), which I understand is not an official Vatican source, states that Palamite theology is heresy.

The conflict began in 1338 and ended only in 1368, with the solemn canonization of Palamas and the official recognition of his heresies.[Catholic Encyclopedia, on the Greek Church]

Thus, the Archimandrite's position on the West was anything but lack of understanding of Catholic teaching.

My understanidng is that some Catholic theologicans (i.e. Michael Liccione in particular) now argue that canonized Orthodox Palamite teachings are not at odds with Catholic doctrine.

Maybe you can explain to me how can two Catholic sources come to such opposite conclusions, and also state what is Vatican's official teaching on this subject which also concerns Grace.