Faith, Reason, and Theosis

Theosis is a key concept in contemporary Orthodox theology, shaping it in both positive and negative ways. Positively, it unites theology and interprets patristic texts, while negatively, it is used to beat down Catholic and Protestant Christians. This volume examines the relation between faith, reason, and theosis from Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant perspectives, addressing themes such as the nature-grace debate and the relation of philosophy to theology. The authors contribute to the historical theological task of complicating the contemporary Orthodox narrative and challenge all Christian traditions to stretch and shift their understanding of theosis amidst an ecumenical celebration of the gift of participation in the life of God.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: Fordham University Press

Theosis plays a significant role in shaping contemporary Orthodox theology in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, contemporary Orthodox theologians have embraced theosis as a unifying thread that brings together various aspects of theology and interprets patristic texts, which experienced a renaissance in the twentieth century, even within Orthodox theology. They have seen theosis as a means to provide a coherent and comprehensive understanding of Christian faith and practice. In this regard, they have engaged with patristic texts and interpreted them in light of contemporary theological challenges and concerns.

On the negative side, some contemporary theologians have used theosis as a tool to criticize Catholic and Protestant Christians, claiming that they reject theosis in favor of either a rationalistic or fideistic approach to Christian life. They have portrayed theosis as a triumphalistic concept that undermines the distinctiveness and validity of other Christian traditions.

The essays collected in this volume aim to transcend this East-West divide by examining the relationship between faith, reason, and theosis from Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant perspectives. The authors engage with a diverse range of thinkers, including Thomas Aquinas, John Wesley, Meister Eckhart, Dionysius the Areopagite, Symeon the New Theologian, Panayiotis Nellas, Vladimir Lossky, Martin Luther, Martin Heidegger, Sergius Bulgakov, John of the Cross, Delores Williams, Evagrius of Pontus, and Hans Urs von Balthasar. The essays cover various themes, such as the nature-grace debate and the relation of philosophy to theology.

Through their engagement with these thinkers, the authors in this volume contribute to the historical theological task of complicating the contemporary Orthodox narrative. They challenge the traditional understanding of theosis and offer new perspectives that can broaden and deepen our understanding of the Christian life. At the same time, they continue the theological achievement of thinking about theosis so that all Christian traditions may be challenged to stretch and shift their understanding of theosis even amidst an ecumenical celebration of the gift of participation in the life of God.

In conclusion, theosis plays a complex and multifaceted role in contemporary Orthodox theology. While it has been embraced as a unifying thread and a means to interpret patristic texts, it has also been used as a tool for criticism and differentiation. The essays collected in this volume provide a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussion of theosis and its relationship to faith, reason, and Christian life. They offer a fresh perspective that can bridge the East-West divide and promote greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse Christian traditions.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781531503017