Deification and Christology

Abstract Christian doctrines of deification are closely related to theological judgments about the person and work of Christ. Careful analysis of this theological domain reveals a complex picture, for the concepts ingredient to each doctrinal locus are notably plastic. Judgments regarding the precise meaning of theopoiēsis, the metaphysics of the hypostatic union, and the communication of properties within the person of Christ yield a rich diversity of perspectives across the tradition. It is possible to identify any number of different, possible ways to coordinate deification and Christology in relation to one another. These distinct alignments have often provided an occasion for controversy, but it is important to recognize that they are not necessarily contrary to one another from a dogmatic perspective. It is thus possible to articulate a capacious account of deification that affirms multiple alignments together as complementary strands within a unified braid.