Theosis- Evangelicalism and Orthodoxy in Dialogue

Résumé

The doctrine of theosis, or deification, is a foundational to Eastern Orthodox soteriology and has emerged as a central topic in contemporary ecumenical discourse. This article synthesises principal objections to theosis from a mainstream evangelical perspective and provides a scholarly rebuttal grounded in patristic evidence. The evangelical critique is systematically outlined, focuses on four primary areas of perceived incompatibility: soteriological paradigms (forensic justification versus ontological transformation), anthropological presuppositions (monergism versus synergy), the nature of grace (unmerited favour versus uncreated energies), and Christological models. To consider these critiques, the article drawing principally on Norman Russell’s The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition, as the methodological primary source for understanding the historical and theological development of theosis, supplemented by selected engagement with recent ecumenical scholarship. Russell's research challenges claims that the doctrine is an unbiblical, Hellenistic innovation by demonstrating its deep roots in scriptural exegesis and Jewish tradition, as well as its essential role in patristic Christology. The article concludes that, although Russell's findings address many historical objections, the core disagreement persists due to fundamental, systematic differences between the legal-forensic framework of Reformational Evangelical theology and the therapeutic-ontological framework of the Eastern tradition. Consequently, the dialogue shifts from accusations of historical deviation to substantive engagement with two distinct, internally coherent models of Christian salvation.

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