Introduction: Faith, Reason, and Theosis

The essays of this book are situated within this current of thinking on theosis, which consists of a common, albeit minimalist, affirmation amid the flow of differences. The lens through which theosis is interrogated is that of “faith and reason,” in part because contemporary Orthodox theology identified theosis with mystical union in opposition to salvation through faith (Protestant) and theology as rational discourse (Catholic). The authors in this volume contribute to the historical theological task of complicating this contemporary Orthodox narrative, but they also continue the “theological achievement” of thinking about theosis so that all Christian traditions may be challenged to stretch and shift their understanding of theosis even amid an ecumenical celebration of the gift of participation in the life of God.