In his post here @FireDragon76 links to Lutheran theologian David Wagschal's critique of the traditional Christian doctrine of Deification or Theosis. In beginning to explicate the doctrine of Deification, Wagschal tells us:
What do you think? Is Deification compatible with Lutheranism? Feel free to completely ignore Wagschal's analysis if you have thoughts different from his on the topic.
This is the teaching that salvation is the progressive and gradual sanctification or “divinizing” of the person, the church, and the cosmos. It is the idea that God saves or redeems us by permeating the creation and transforming it into its own (properly) divine form. -The Problem with Deification
Here is a quick outline of Wagschal's basic criticisms:
- Deification creates the notion that God's love rests on our future, deified selves rather than on ourselves as we exist in the here and now, namely as sinful.
- Deification creates the notion that salvation is progressive ladder-climbing rather than gratuitous and radical gift.
- Deification leads to political theologies.
- Deification leads to an appearance- and performance-based focus.
What do you think? Is Deification compatible with Lutheranism? Feel free to completely ignore Wagschal's analysis if you have thoughts different from his on the topic.