Partakers of the Divine Nature: The History and Development of Deification in the Christian Traditions

MICHAEL J. CHRISTENSEN, ED., JEFFREY A. WITTUNG, ED.

ISBN 10: 080103440X / ISBN 13: 9780801034404

Published by Baker Academic February 2008, 2008

About this Item

Partakers of the Divine Nature is an uncommon anthology. Born from an academic conference exploring the topic of theosis/deification at Drew University, it is a collection of essays by writers representing the perspectives of both East and West, 'across cultures and historical periods within the Christian tradition' (from the Introduction). From its early Greek origins to more modern constructions, the idea of theosis and its 'compelling vision of human potential for transformation and spiritual perfectibility' (again, from the Introduction) has been increasingly explored in academic circles and simultaneously tarnished by deviations imposed upon it by the New Age movement. The editors of Partakers seek a restoration of sorts. This volume includes never-before-published essays by scholars on the concept of deification in the New Testament, as well as in ancient Greek, Syriac, and Copto-Arabic cultures. The authors parse its development in patrisitc, Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions as they consider the works of Athanasius, Ephrem the Syrian, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, Maximus the Confessor, Gregory Palamas, St. Anselm, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Sergius Bulgakov, and Karl Rahner. The contributors list is just as impressive: Andrew Louth, Stephen Finlan, J.A. McGuckin, Vladimir Kharlamov, Stephen J. Davis, J. Todd Billings, Boris Jakim, and Francis J. Caponi (among others). Also included is an extensive bibliography of works on theosis with nearly 300 entries. In the words of one reviewer, Partakers of the Divine Nature is 'a broad and reliable collection that.provides a sense of what is at stake.' Binding firm, text pristine and unmarked, cover shows minimal shelfwear, spine sun-faded.

Seller Inventory # 250861

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Partakers of the Divine Nature: The History and Development of Deification in the Christian Traditions
• Publisher: Baker Academic February 2008
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 080103440X
• ISBN 13: 9780801034404
• Binding: Paper Back
• Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Theology

About this title

Synopsis

This critical volume focuses on the concept of deification in Christian intellectual history. It draws together Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant scholars to introduce and explain the theory of deification as a biblically rooted, central theme in the Christian doctrine of salvation in diverse eras and traditions. The book addresses the origin, development, and function of deification from its precursors in ancient Greek philosophy to its nuanced use in contemporary theological thought. The revival of interest in deification, which has often been seen as heresy in the Protestant West, heralds a return to foundational understandings of salvation in the Christian church before divisions of East and West, Catholic and Protestant. Originally published in hardcover, this book is now available in paperback to a wider readership.

About the Authors

Michael J. Christensen (PhD, Drew University) is director of the DMin program and teaches spirituality and religious studies at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.

Jeffery A. Wittung (1974-2010) served as an editor at Baker Academic and was a PhD candidate at Drew University.