Theosis and the Bounds of Being

The Neoplatonic-Christian notion of theosis, the deification of humankind, has been understood to sever humans from nature. However, this reduces the diversity of interpretations to a caricature. I argue that theosis is a concept that opens a space of interrelational possibility. Engaging with François Laruelle, I examine an inversion of theosis that turns human consciousness toward radical immanentism. I argue Laruelle’s work paradoxically produces its own transcendental position and obscures paths for cultivating empathetic relationships with nature. However, the Neoplatonic tradition does offer resources. I then address a version of apophaticism in the works of Paracelsus and Jacob Böhme, wherein the language of theosis in conversation with the esoteric notion of the “feminine” aspect of Divinity, Sophia, gives rise to a unique speculative realist position with an earthly orientation. I maintain that this discourse challenges both the vertically transcendental orientation of classic apophaticism and the flattening immanentism of postmodern appropriations.