The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition [Hardcover]

Deification in the Greek patristic tradition was the fulfillment of the destiny for which humanity was created - not merely salvation from sin but entry into the fullness of the divine life of the Trinity. This book, the first on the subject for over sixty years, traces the history of deification from its birth as a second-century metaphor with biblical roots to its maturity as a doctrine central to the spiritual life of the Byzantine Church. Drawing attention to the richness and diversity of the patristic approaches from Irenaeus to Maximus the Confessor, Norman Russell offers a full discussion of the background and context of the doctrine, at the same time highlighting its distinctively Christian character.

1. Introduction
2. Deification in the Graeco-Roman World
3. The Jewish Paradigm: From Ezekiel to the yored merkavah
4. The Earliest Christian Model: Participatory Union with Christ
5. The Alexandrian Tradition I: Christian Schools and Study-Circles
6. The Alexandrian Tradition II: The Imposition of Episcopal Control
7. The Cappadocian Approach: Divine Transcendence and the Ascent of the Soul
8. The Monastic Synthesis: The Achievement of Maximus the Confessor
9. Epilogue

This book will be recognized as the oustanding study of its subject. Essential. --Choice

The volume is rich in insight and masterfully detailed in treatment. ...Libraries in universities and seminaries should unquestionably add this volume to their collection: It will be the standard treatment of the topic for years to come.
--Calvin Theological Journal

Norman Russellwas formerly Vice-Provost of the London Oratory and is now an independent scholar.