The Modern Heresy – The Deification of Man

The General Idea of the Lecture

The lecture presents a clear theological critique of the idea of the deification of man, which has appeared in some modern writings and is falsely attributed to the Church Fathers, especially Saint Athanasius and the Cappadocian Fathers.

Presenting the Issue

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that there is a serious confusion between correct spiritual concepts such as grace, adoption, union with God, and participation in divine life, and the false claim that man can become a god in his nature.

The Sound Orthodox Teaching

The lecture affirms that the Christian faith is based on belief in one God only, and that divine attributes such as eternity, infinity, absolute power, and creation from nothing can never be attributed to man in any way.

Refuting the Concept of “Deification”

His Holiness clarifies that:

• The Incarnation does not mean the deification of human nature, but the union of divinity with humanity without mixture or transformation.
• Partaking of the sacraments, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or receiving grace does not turn man into a god, but sanctifies and renews him.
• Being created in the image of God does not mean becoming a god, as proven by man’s fall into sin.

The Danger of False Teaching

His Holiness warns that teaching the deification of man opens the door to heresies that affect the essence of the Christian faith, leading either to denying the divinity of Christ or to falsely elevating man to a divine level.

Spiritual Conclusion

Man is called to holiness, communion with God, and renewal by grace—not to deification. Divine glory belongs to God alone, while man remains a honored creature, a son by adoption, and a faithful servant of God.

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تأليه الإنسان – Deification of Man
الإيمان الأرثوذكسي – Orthodox Faith