Moving beyond Theoria toward Theosis

"Professor Davis clearly loves to write! This author presents the reader with a impressive, wide-ranging treatment of symbolism in philosophy, in Christian dogma and in the sacred icon. This book amounts to a veritable catechism in metaphysics (especially Platonic, the ever-present temptation for theologians!) and Orthodox Christian dogma, especially as that dogma is depicted in the icon. The author's massive scope offers the reader a firm and well-organized survey of this theme as he argues for the ultimate purpose (τέλος) of human existence; namely the transcending of intellectual theoria (the philosopher's telos) toward divinization (theosis). This reviewer was especially grateful for Davis' assessment of St Augustine of Hippo's role in stunting this vision in Western intellectual and religious culture. My favorite citation: ""The most persuasive philosophic proof of God's existence is the one the textbooks never mention, the conclusion to which can perhaps best express the whole meaning: There exists the icon of the Holy Trinity by St. Andrei Rublev; therefore, God exists."" --Patrick B. O'Grady, assistant professor of liturgical theology, Antiochian House of Studies, La Verne, California In Moving Beyond Theoria Towards Theosis, Justin Davis expertly explains how Plato's philosophy, in particular his metaphysics, has been appropriated by Christian history. The conditioning of Platonism in worship and life is demonstrated through the phenomenon of the Orthodox icon, which bridges the gap between reality and appearance. Davis has done the Church an important service by rearticulating critical distinctions with nuance for this generation. --V. Rev. Stephen De Young, GCAS College Dublin Justin Davis masterfully traces the historical passage of the Platonists' telos as knowledge-based theoria towards the Christian telos as relationship-based theosis. With warmth as well as scholarship, Davis progresses to show how this theosis or deification is epitomised in icons, which depict both the deifying Christ and His deified saints. He shows how symbolism as a 'drawing together' is best understood with this union of Creator and creation in mind. As Davis shows in his study of the various iconoclasms, 'the destruction of icons is a denial of the telos of man. It denies transformation.' A must-read for all who wish to understand contemporary culture and the challenges that it faces. --Aidan Hart, research associate of the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge"