Preface
Introduction
Part 1: The Context of Theosis in Christianity
The Promise, Process, and Problem of Theosis--Michael J. Christensen
The Place of Theosis in Orthodox Theology--Andrew Louth
Part II: Theosis in Classical and Late Antiquity
Deification of the Philosopher in Classical Greece--John R. Lenz
Can We Speak of Theosis in Paul?--Stephen Finlan
Does 2 Peter 1:4 Speak of Deification?--James Starr
Part III: Theosis in Patristic Thought
The Strategic Adaptation of Deification in the Cappadocians--J. A. McGuckin
Rhetorical Application of Theosis in Greek Patristic Theology--Vladimir Kharlamov
Divinization as Perichoretic Embrace in Maximus the Confessor--Elena Vishnevskaya
Paradise as the Landscape of Salvation in Ephrem the Syrian--Thomas Buchan
Part IV: Theosis in Medieval and Reformation Thought
The Copto-Arabic Tradition of Theosis: A Eucharistic Reading of John 3:51-57 in Bulus al-Bushi's Treatise On the Incarnation--Stephen J. Davis
St. Anselm: Theoria and the Doctrinal Logic of Perfection--Nathan R. Kerr
Martin Luther: "Little Christ's for the World"; Faith and Sacraments as Means to Theosis--Jonathan Linman
John Calvin: United to God through Christ--J. Todd Billings
John Wesley: Christian Perfection as Faith Filled with the Energy of Love--Michael J. Christensen
Part V: Theosis in Modern Thought
Neo-Palamism, Divinizing Grace, and the Breach between East and West--Jeffrey D. Finch
Sergius Bulgakov: Russian Theosis--Boris Jakim
Karl Rahner: Divinization in Roman Catholicism--Francis J. Caponi OSA
Theosis in Recent Research: A Renewal of Interest and a Need for Clarity--Gösta Hallonsten
Resources on Theosis with Select Primary Sources in Translation--Jeffery A. Wittung

"This is a welcome contribution to ecumenical theology! Over the last twenty years the theme of deification has become one of the most significant and fruitful settings of Christian theological dialogue, standing at the nexus between Eastern and Western Christian traditions. But we have lacked--until now--a broad and reliable collection that places the various specialized contributions in perspective and provides a sense of what is at stake. All who are interested in this important topic should begin here!"--Randy L. Maddox, Divinity School, Duke University

"The contributors to this rich and varied volume have reached across the divides of time, place, and culture to explore the deepest hopes and wildest aspirations of Christians in their relationship with God. Historians, students, ecumenists, and the burgeoning company of enthusiasts for spirituality will all enjoy the abundant and provocative feast that is served up here."--Kathleen McVey, Princeton Theological Seminary

"This groundbreaking, panoramic collection of studies on the theme of deification/theosis is most welcome. These essays clearly demonstrate that the grand and sublime calling of every human being to participate in the very life of God has always been central in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. I believe this finely conceived and well-crafted volume will help significantly to deepen the understanding and appreciation of salvation as deification for all who read it."--David C. Ford, St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary

"This is a timely book that offers a fuller scope and history of the theme of deification than is possible for a single author. This [can] be a basic textbook for general, wide-ranging courses on 'Deification in the Christian traditions.'"--John Behr, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary

"These essays analyze the history of exegesis of major biblical passages that teach that the faithful are becoming 'partakers of the divine nature' (2 Peter 1:4). Protestant historical theologians will find instructive the sections on Luther, Calvin, and Wesley, as compared with the Cappadocians, Ephrem, Maximus, and Anselm, as well as more recent writers such as Bulgakov and Karl Rahner. They establish the persistence and the renewal of interest in this theme in recent research."--Thomas C. Oden, general editor, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture