FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Question: What Biblical scriptures discuss the doctrine of the deification of man?
Question: What Biblical scriptures discuss the doctrine of the deification of man?
Theosis or deification is discussed in the following biblical scriptures
- Psalm 82:5-6 (cf. John 10:34-36)
- Daniel 12:3
- Matthew 5:48 (cf. Luke 6:40)
- Matthew 24:45-47
- Acts 17:29
- Romans 8:16-17,32
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
- 1 Corinthians 15:49
- 2 Corinthians 8:9
- Galatians 4:7
- Philippians 3:14-15
- Philippians 3:20-21
- Hebrews 12:23
- 1 Jn 3:1-2
- 1 Peter 3:7
- 2 Peter 1:4
- Revelation 3:21
- Revelation 21:7
In regard to the Mormon doctrine, non-LDS scholar Ernst W. Benz has observed:
One can think what one wants of this doctrine of progressive deification, but one thing is certain: with this anthropology Joseph Smith is closer to the view of man held by the ancient Church than the precursors of the Augustinian doctrine of original sin. [1]
For more quotes about theosis see: Primary sources:Theosis
Notes
- ↑ Ernst W. Benz, "Imago Dei: Man in the Image of God," in Truman G. Madsen (editor), Reflections on Mormonism: Judaeo-Christian parallels : papers delivered at the Religious Studies Center symposium, Brigham Young University, March 10-11, 1978 (Provo, Utah: Religious Studies Center , Brigham Young University and Bookcraft, 1978), 215–216. ISBN 0884943585. Reprinted in Ernst Benz, "Imago dei: Man as the Image of God," FARMS Review 17/1 (2005): 223–254. off-siteNote: Benz misunderstands some aspects of LDS doctrine, but his sketch of the relevance of theosis for Christianity in general, and Joseph Smith's implementation of it, is worthwhile.