Deification: The Content of Athanasian Soteriology
by Keith Edward Norman
For his dissertation at Duke University in 1980, Norman shows that the idea of deification did not originate with Athanasius, but came from earlier revealed texts and the writings of the church fathers. He then reconstructs the beliefs of Athanasius from diverse treatises.
Athanasius taught that humanity was created in the image and likeness of God, but turned away from that exalted birthright. Norman asserts that this set the stage for the Incarnation, in which human nature can be united with the very Logos of God.
The unification with Logos does not deify the individual, however. Athanasius exhorted Christians to imitate Christ through moral effort. According to Norman, only through a combination of the Incarnation and moral effort can humanity achieve its original destiny of deification.
The ultimate goal is to become like God, with all of the attributes and qualities of Deity.
145 pages
Published: 2000
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