The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition

Abstract

Deification in the Greek patristic tradition was the fulfilment of the destiny for which humanity was created — not merely salvation from sin but entry into the fullness of the divine life of the Trinity. This book traces the history of deification, from its birth as a second-century metaphor with biblical roots to its maturity as a doctrine central to the spiritual life of the Byzantine Church. Drawing attention to the richness and diversity of the patristic approaches from Irenaeus to Maximus the Confessor, the book offers a full discussion of the background and context of the doctrine, at the same time highlighting its distinctively Christian character.

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