Transformed into the Same Image: Constructive Investigations into the Doctrine of Deification

The doctrine of deification or theosis has been gaining interest among scholars for some time. Yet most publications on the topic have focused on Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions and have subsumed the discussion under the category of soteriology. If "being transformed into the same image" (2 Corinthians 3:18) is truly essential to the Christian life, a fuller understanding of this biblical concept is needed for Christians of all traditions.

In this volume, biblical scholars and theologians offer a constructive account of deification that breaks new ground in key ways. First, several essays focus on the work of major Protestant thinkers and Protestant expressions of the doctrine―including Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, Wesleyan, Pentecostal, and Evangelical. Second, contributors incorporate deification into arenas that have thus far remained largely unexplored, such as the relationship between justification and deification, applications for theological education, how deification compares with transhumanism, the impact of translation philosophy on the visibility of deification in Scripture, and perspectives on deification in global Christianity.

Contributors include both senior and younger scholars from a variety of backgrounds, including Alister McGrath, Ann Jervis, Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen, Ben C. Blackwell, and Michael Gorman. Transformed into the Same Image invites readers to dive deeper into the doctrine of deification andcontinue the conversation.

James R. Salladin (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is rector of Emmanuel Anglican Church in New York.

Alister McGrath is the Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at the University of Oxford, Director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion at Oxford, and (from 2015 to 2018) Gresham Professor of Divinity. His previous posts include Professor of Theology and Education at King’s College, London, and Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University. Alister gained first class honours from Oxford University in Chemistry (1975) and first class honours in Theology (1978).He holds an Oxford DPhil (1978) for his research in molecular biology, a DD from Oxford University’s Faculty of Theology for his work in historical and systematic theology (2001), and a DLitt from Oxford University’s Division of Humanities for his research in science and religion (2013). He was elected FRSA in 2005, in recognition of his work as a public intellectual.

Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen (Dr.Theol.Habil., University of Helsinki) is professor of systematic theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and docent of ecumenics at the University of Helsinki. He is ordained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and is also an expert on Pentecostal/charismatic movements. He has served as visiting professor in various schools around the world and has participated in numerous international theological, missiological, and interfaith consultations. His many books include The Trinity: Global Perspectives, An Introduction to the Theology of Religions, and the five-volume series A Constructive Christian Theology for the Pluralistic World.

Paul Copan (PhD, Marquette University) is the Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, Florida. He is author or editor of many books, including An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, Is God a Moral Monster?, and Is God a Vindictive Bully?

Michael M. C. Reardon (PhD, University of Toronto) is academic dean and professor of New Testament and historical theology at Canada Christian College and School of Graduate Theological Studies.