The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition (Oxford Early Christian Studies) [Paperback]

Norman Russell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0199205973 | ISBN-13: 978-0199205974

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

About the Author

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

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 16, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199205973
• ISBN-13: 978-0199205974
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #382,920 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great and important work, June 6, 2005

By 

Dr. Richard M. Price (London, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition (Oxford Early Christian Studies) (Hardcover)

'Deification' may seem a rather esoteric theme, but all it means is the way in which, according to Christian belief, the grace of God transforms human beings. What this book offers is a survey of most of the important Greek Fathers of the first five centuries, concentrating on how they treat this central theme. The result is the best general treatment of the Greek Fathers we have had for almost fifty years. Structure and sequence are clear, strong and cogent; the clarity of exposition is outstanding. Any reader who has some prior knowledge of the field (e.g. from reading Kelly's Early Christian Doctrines) will be able to follow the argument. The book deserves wide readership and a lasting influence.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars implications of the incarnation and resurrection, July 26, 2007

By 

matt (the reading room) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition (Oxford Early Christian Studies) (Paperback)

As far as I know, this book is the best one stop read on this central Christian doctrine. All of theology, in its relation to humanity, is really a footnote to the reality of deification. But what does that really mean? Are we absorbed into God? Are we just made like him by decree? Or do we participate in the very life of God and yet remain distinct in our nature and personhood? How this was experienced and worked out in the early church is the subject of this most detailed book.

Based largely on Jules Gross' work (La Divination du chrétien d'après les Pères grecs), Russell begins by tracing the main points of Gross, adding the criticism that Gross failed to explain, and take into account, the content in which the Greek Fathers wrote and discussed theosis. He notes that although deification talk was common in many pre-Dionysian (6th century) theologians, they were not doctrinally consistent in their usage and meaning. It is finally with St Maximus the Confessor that the theology of deification is worked out systematically.

I am leaving tons of content out, but rest assured that if you have an interest in the topic from the Greek perspective, this is the book to get. But it is not a book for beginners. For that, you may find uncreated energy a useful primer.

Although Russell's focus is Greek theology, he does offer an appendix of Syrian and Latin Fathers on the topic, along with a brief discussion of modern authors on the subject, such as Rahner, Zizioulas and Mascall.

I would strongly recommend the writings of Valdimir Lossky, especially The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church and Orthodox Theology: An Introductionon this subject. For a great East-West discussion, See A. Williams' The Ground of Union: Deification in Aquinas and Palamas. As well, please see Deification in the Eastern Orthodox Tradition: A Biblical Perspective, Being With God: Trinity, Apophaticism, And Divine-Human Communion, Theosis: Deification in Christian Theology (Princeton Theological Monograph) and Deification in Christ: Orthodox Perspectives on the Nature of the Human Person (Contemporary Greek Theologians, Vol 5).

My other reviews are often on this topic, and you can find some gems there to further your exploration of the implications of the incarnation, death and resurrection of our Lord.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Complete Overview of Theosis, June 2, 2007

By 

N N Taleb "Nassim N Taleb" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Doctrine of Deification in the Greek Patristic Tradition (Oxford Early Christian Studies) (Paperback)

I initially bought this book as I was curious about the differences between Eastern & Western traditions, particularly with the notion of theosis --the deification of man. This book goes far deeper, and covers pre-Christian practices (like Stoic thoughts, the deifications of Kings, Roman Emperors, that of private citizens who committed symbolic acts --such as Antinous, Hadrian's obsession, who drowned to "save" mankind and other sotirologies).
The book was initially Russell's doctoral thesis, which, as far as I can guess from the dates, had to have been completed when he was in late middle age. But he made it very readable, free of the theophilosophical jargon of similar texts. He still has quotes in the original language and it is a true piece of scholarship.