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Divinization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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divinization

[dɪˌvɪnɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

theology

The act of making divine; deification. The process by which a person or thing is elevated to the status of a god.

Synonyms

apotheosis, deification.

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Word Description / Examples
divinization

Used primarily in religious or theological discussions to describe the process of becoming divine or being made into a god. Often used in a positive or neutral context.

  • The divinization of heroes in ancient mythology was a common occurrence
deification

Used in both religious and secular contexts, commonly to describe the act of treating someone as a god. Can have a negative connotation when used to describe excessive admiration or glorification.

  • His followers' deification of him was seen as alarming by outsiders
apotheosis

Typically used in literary, historical, or rhetorical contexts to describe the elevation of someone to divine status. Can also mean the epitome of something or its highest point.

  • The apotheosis of the emperor was celebrated with grand ceremonies
  • Her success marked the apotheosis of her career

Examples of usage

  • The divinization of ancient rulers was a common practice in many civilizations.
  • The divinization of nature is a central theme in many indigenous belief systems.
Context #2 | Noun

Christianity

The belief or doctrine that Christians can become like God or partake in the divine nature. The process of becoming more like God through spiritual growth.

Synonyms

deification, theosis.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divinization

Used in both religious and mythological contexts to describe the process of becoming divine or being accorded divine status. Often found in discussions about mythology, ancient religions, or spiritual transformations.

  • The ancient texts describe the divinization of the hero after his brave deeds.
  • The ritual aimed at achieving divinization and attaining eternal life.
theosis

Specifically used in Christian theology to describe the process of becoming more like God through grace, participation in the sacraments, and living a life in accordance with God's will.

  • The concept of theosis is central to Eastern Orthodox theology.
  • Through prayer and good deeds, believers seek theosis and unity with God.
deification

Typically used in historical, cultural, and religious discussions to refer to the act of making someone or something into a god. This is commonly associated with ancient practices and can carry a slight negative connotation when used to describe the excessive admiration or idealization of a person or thing.

  • The deification of emperors was a common practice in ancient Rome.
  • Many see the deification of celebrities as a troubling trend in modern society.

Examples of usage

  • Divinization is a central concept in Eastern Orthodox theology.
  • The goal of divinization is to be united with God in eternal life.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In ancient Rome, emperors were often divinized after death, allowing them to be worshiped as gods.
  • Many religions have practices designed to achieve divinization, such as the canonization of saints in Christianity.
  • African traditional religions often include practices that elevate ancestors through rituals, thus granting them divine status.

Cultural Significance

  • In Hinduism, certain divine figures are seen as avatars who come to Earth to guide humanity, illustrating a form of divinization.
  • The concept appears in various mythologies where heroes or legendary figures undergo transformation into gods, showcasing a deep-rooted cultural belief in the divine potential of individuals.
  • In modern spirituality, some believe in the everyday potential for divinization, seeking to connect more profoundly with the universe or higher powers through meditation and mindfulness.

Psychological Perspective

  • Divinization connects to the psychological concept of projection, where humans project their highest ideals or attributes onto a divine figure.
  • This act can often lead to improved self-esteem and motivation, as individuals aspire to embody characteristics they perceive as divine or admirable.
  • Religious practices around divinization can also serve as coping mechanisms for stress, allowing individuals to feel part of something greater than themselves.

Literature

  • Many mythological texts, such as those from Mesopotamia, explore themes of divinization where humans seek to become part of the divine order.
  • In Shakespeare's works, the idea of divinization appears when characters strive for greatness, often leading to their tragic downfall.
  • Literary traditions often depict the transformation of mortals into gods, illustrating humanity's desire for transcendence and immortality.

Origin of 'divinization'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'divinization' comes from the Latin 'divinizare', which means to make divine or to deify.
  • The root 'divin-' is related to 'divine', connecting the word to concepts of godliness and celestial beings.
  • This term has been used throughout history in various cultures to express the idea of elevating humans or objects to a god-like status.

The term 'divinization' has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy and religion, where the idea of humans becoming divine or godlike was explored. In Christianity, the concept of divinization has been a topic of theological discussion for centuries, particularly in Eastern Orthodox traditions. The belief in divinization reflects the idea of humans being created in the image of God and having the potential to share in the divine nature. It is a concept that speaks to the inherent spiritual potential of humanity.

See also: divination, divinely, diviner, divining, divinity.