Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life

Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life is a book written by Archimandrite George (Kapsanis) in 2006 at the Holy Monastery of Gregoriou on Mount Athos. First published in 1992, the book explores the concept of Theosis, the Eastern Orthodox understanding of deification and divinization, as the ultimate purpose of human life.

The author presents Theosis as the original goal of Christian Life, emphasizing that union with God and participation in the Kingdom of God is the intended spiritual path for all human beings. The book has been translated and republished multiple times, with subsequent editions released in 1997, 2001, and 2006. Archimandrite George was also involved in translating the works into other languages.

Author

The author or Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life is Archimandrite George (Kapsanis), who is a respected figure in the Eastern Orthodox Church. He served as the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Gregoriou on Mount Athos from 1974 until his repose in 2014. Under his leadership, the monastery experienced a spiritual revival and became known for its Theological clarity and pastoral care, particularly in articulating core Orthodox teachings for modern readers.

In his reflections, Archimandrite George emphasized the profound joy and fulfillment found in communion with Christ. was especially recognized for his work on the concept of theosis, or deification, which he viewed as central to Orthodox Christian life and salvation. He was known for emphasizing the personal relationship between God and human beings and the role of grace in transforming the human person through ascetic practice, prayer, and participation in the sacraments. He recounted the words of a monk, Father Symeon, who, shortly after his repose, was asked about his state and replied, "Now I'm with Christ." Archimandrite George reflected this sentiment, stating, "When you're with Christ, it's wonderful. No matter where you are, Athens, Thessaloniki, the Holy Mountain. It really is wonderful to be with Christ, wherever you are."

His writings and teachings were deeply rooted in the Patristic tradition and aimed at making ancient Orthodox theology accessible to contemporary audiences. Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life originated as a lecture given by Archimandrite George in the early 1990s and was later published and translated into several languages like English, Russian, Serbian, Hungarian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Finnish, Spanish, and German, reflecting its popularity in Orthodox circles worldwide.

Content

Theosis: The True Purpose of Human Life explores the Eastern Orthodox concept of Theosis, or deification, as the ultimate goal of human life. Archimandrite George emphasizes that true communion with God is deeply personal and may be difficult to grasp within Western Christianity. He argues that one of the central purposes of Jesus Christ's earthly mission was to unite humanity with the Kingdom of God, described as "a Kingdom not of this world," referencing Romans 14:17 in the Bible.

The book discusses the theological basis for deification, asserting that human beings are called to become "partakers of divine nature" and achieve union with God. George supports this view with verses such as John 10:34 ("You are gods") and Matthew 5:48 ("be perfect, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect"), which he interprets literally in the context of Orthodox teaching. Additionally scriptural references cited in the texts include Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Peter, which collectively form a theological foundation for the doctrine of Theosis.

Archimandrite George further explains that Theosis is attainable through participation in God's uncreated energies, distinguishing between God's incomprehensible essence and His communicable energies. This distinction allows humans to experience and unite with God without compromising His transcendence. The process of Theosis involves purification, illumination, and deification, facilitated by the Holy Spirit's transformative work within individuals. This transformative journey is not merely symbolic but a literal calling for believers to become united with God, reflecting the original purpose of human life as intended in Christian teaching.