DIVINIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Divinization is a theological concept that refers to the process or state of becoming divine or godlike. It is derived from the Latin word "divinarius," which means "to make divine." This concept is also known as theosis or deification in certain religious traditions.
In Christianity, divinization is the belief that human beings can participate in the divine nature of God through a deepening relationship with Him. It is based on the understanding that God has created humans in His image and likeness, and through His grace and the work of the Holy Spirit, individuals can attain a share in His divine life.
Divinization involves a transformative process that encompasses the spiritual growth and sanctification of an individual. It includes the purification of the person's soul from sin, the cultivation of virtues, and the participation in the sacraments. Through this process, believers aim to manifest the qualities and characteristics of God, such as love, righteousness, mercy, and holiness.
In some mystical traditions, divinization also involves the pursuit of a direct experience or union with the divine. It is seen as the highest goal of spiritual seeking, where individuals seek to merge their consciousness with the ultimate reality or the Divine. This pursuit often involves practices such as meditation, contemplation, and asceticism to transcend the limitations of the human condition and attain a higher state of consciousness.
Overall, divinization is a concept that reflects the belief in the potential for humans to become united with the divine and ultimately fulfill their purpose of reflecting the divine image in their lives.
Common Misspellings for DIVINIZATION
Etymology of DIVINIZATION
The word "divinization" has its roots in Latin and Greek. The Latin term "divinization" derives from the verb "divinare", which means "to make divine" or "to be inspired by a god". This Latin word is derived from the noun "divinus", meaning "divine" or "god-like".
In Greek, the word "divinization" can be traced back to the term "theosis" (θέωσις). "Theosis" is composed of the Greek word "theos" (θεός), meaning "god", and the suffix "-sis", which signifies the action or process of becoming or being. Thus, "theosis" refers to the process of becoming like or united with God in Eastern Orthodox Christian theology.
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