Theosis in Recent Christian Thought: Ecumenical Potentials and Pitfalls

Full Proposal Abstract:
Protestant traditions have been the recipients of the ecumenical achievements of the twentieth century. This has borne fruit in the interest in doctrines of theosis. Across denominational lines, doctrines of theosis are being constructed in ways that remain faithful to the central defining dogmas and practices of each tradition. These traditions utilize sophisticated methods of theological retrieval to look backwards before moving forwards. A new generation of scholars is now publishing significant works of constructive theology in which theosis finds a central place. More work remains to be done, and the ecumenical potential that theosis offers has yet to be fully realized, but the signs are encouraging. After examining the doctrines of theosis in various Christian traditions, several critical observations will be presented as an initial way to gauge the ecumenical potential and pitfalls of theosis.