Divinization
The concept of theosis, or divinization, has been a central tenet in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, but it has largely been lost or overlooked in the Western Christian Church. This is a significant loss, as the idea of divinization, or the wisdom that humans can participate in the divine nature, is a profound and transformative aspect of the Christian gospel.
The Eastern Fathers of the Church, such as the Cappadocian Fathers, placed great emphasis on the concept of theosis, which they saw as the ultimate goal of the Christian life. This idea is rooted in the scripture that God became human in the person of Christ Jesus, so that humanity might become divine. As Pope John Paul II acknowledged, this teaching is a vital part of the Eastern Church's common heritage and is largely absent from the Western tradition.
The loss of this understanding of divinization results in significant consequences for the Western Church, both Catholic and Protestant. Without a strong emphasis on the transformative power of participating in the divine nature, the Western Church often falls into a more practical, "carrot-on-the-stick" approach to the gospel, focusing more on rewards and punishments than on the profound spiritual transformation that is possible.
This loss of the understanding of divinization also contributes to a widespread lack of self-esteem and cultural self-loathing in our world today. When we fail to recognize the inherent dignity and potential for divinity within the human person, we inevitably fall into a state of self-deprecation and despair.
However, the biblical foundation for divinization is clear. The inspired author of 2 Peter 1:3-4 writes that "Divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of God, who called us to share in the divine glory and goodness." This is a powerful affirmation that we are called to participate in the very nature of God, which is Love.
It is time for the Western Church, both Catholic and Protestant, to reintroduce the concept of divinization, or theosis, to the faithful. This "pearl of great price" provides the power to transform our understanding of the Christian gospel and to reignite a sense of spiritual purpose and dignity within the human person.
By embracing the understanding of divinization, the Western Church can reclaim its unique gift to society: the contemplative, non-dual mind that "greases the wheels" of spiritual evolution. This perspective, which acknowledges the profound mystery and unity at the heart of reality, can help to heal the divisions and dualistic thinking that have plagued the Church throughout its history.
In doing so, the Western Church can reclaim its rightful place as a beacon of hope and transformation in a world that desperately needs to rediscover the inherent dignity and potential for divinity within the human person. By embracing the understanding of divinization, the Church can once again fulfill its calling to be a light to the nations, guiding humanity towards the ultimate fulfillment of its divine destiny.