Conformed to His Image

Ancient Faith Ministries ^ | November 14, 2022 | Fr. Stephen Freeman

[Carpe Cerevisi]

One of the most distinctive doctrines in Orthodox theology is that of theosis – divinization – becoming “like God.” Those who inquire into the faith likely stumble across this teaching fairly early, and, no doubt, some are drawn to it. Of course, there are those who run away from it and fear that it is saying something that it isn’t. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of theosis is the unabashedly positive note that it places in the midst of salvation. Whereas many Western treatments of salvation major in “not going to hell,” theosis gives tangible content and a goal that is more than avoidance.

But what is theosis? How should we think of it?

There are a few clues in the New Testament to which we’ll get in a moment. But I was first thinking about various images that have floated through my thoughts that are probably misleading. One of them is drawn from the Mount of Transfiguration. I remember the first time I read about the life of St. Seraphim of Sarov. He famously shone brighter than the sun in his conversation with Motovilov. He was also seen walking in the air, a few feet above the ground. The discussion of the Divine Energies and their association with the Mount of Transfiguration also suggested these images to me as I contemplated theosis. So the scheme goes: you pray until you glow or begin to float.

[Carpe Cerevisi]

The latest from Fr. Stephen Freeman. God bless!

[fidelis]

Good read; thanks for sharing.

I'm a devout Catholic that has been frequenting the AF site. I find a lot of the podcasts very beneficial, especially the Scripture studies. I find them very informative and edifying with very little that is incongruent or offensive to my Catholic Faith.

Theosis is much discussed in certain more devout Catholic circles as well, though it's more commonly referred to as divinization.

God bless and have a holy and peaceful day.

[Carpe Cerevisi]

Thanks very much...you as well.

[MosesKnows]

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.