bpj

An interesting thesis, but I'm not sure I like his bias. The central goal of the Christian life, in his opinion, is *theosis*, which he equates to "glorification". He stretches this to cover every aspect of glorification, both new and old Testament personalities. He also takes very literally the idea that theosis occurs, potentially, in every believer, and the path to theosis is noetic prayer (or self-prompting prayer of the heart, by the Holy Spirit). This is, in his view, the totality of faith, and the single objective of the Christian life. He laments the transition of clergy (at all levels) from enlightened spiritual guides (ones who have achieved theosis) to administrative necessities. He offers no suggestions how to rectify the situation. He also laments the lack of theosis among the population of believers in general, but again offers no real alternatives. If his theory and interpretation is correct, then there are very few in this world, Orthodox or not, that will reach salvation. There is also no "plan" for how one even begins that journey. Prayer to find a spiritual guide seems to be the only way.

2022-11-14 16:16