Knowing in Theosis
Faith, Reason, and Theosis October 3, 2023 DOI: 10.5422/fordham/9781531503017.003.0012 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Orthodox mystical theology, as represented by Saint Symeon the New Theologian and Nicholas Cabasilas, offers a model of religious identity grounded in direct experience of God (theosis) that opposes intentional othering and instead treats the other as integral to union with God, a position the author says is echoed by John Zizioulas. |
Abstract
Contrasting two types of otherness, this essay seeks to highlight an approach to theological knowledge and religious identity which does not rely on an intentional othering, such as if often the case in religious polemical or dogmatic controversies, but rather one often found in the mystical and spiritual tradition of the Orthodox Church, which emphasizes direct experience with God as exemplified in theosis. This essay leverages the writings of Saint Symeon the New Theologian and Nicholas Cabasilas to promote a spirituality which both opposes the intentional othering for one’s self-identity and sees the other as integral to theosis, something echoed in the writings of John Zizioulas.