Athanasius: 'The Son of God became man so that we might become God.'

The Son of God became man so that we might become God.

The quote by Athanasius, "The Son of God became man so that we might become God," holds deep theological significance and reflects the essence of Christian faith. In a straightforward interpretation, this quote suggests that through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, God's Son took on human form to enable humanity to partake in the divine nature and attain union with God. It emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and highlights the possibility of humans attaining a divinized state.This concept, though rooted in Christian tradition, shares unexpected similarities with certain philosophical concepts, particularly those found in Eastern philosophies like Hinduism and Advaita Vedanta. One such concept is the idea of self-realization or self-actualization, which aims at the ultimate understanding and realization of one's true nature. In this context, the phrase "become God" can be seen as a metaphorical expression of reaching a state of self-realization, where one transcends individual identity and merges with the universal consciousness or divine essence.While the Christian concept of becoming God emphasizes the role of Jesus Christ as the guide and means to attain this state, the philosophical concept of self-realization focuses on individual introspection, spiritual practices, and the realization of the true Self.Interestingly, both concepts emphasize the process of transformation and the potential for humans to transcend their limited nature. In Christianity, this transformation is achievable through faith in Christ's redemptive work, while self-realization in philosophy is attained through self-reflection, introspection, and various spiritual practices like meditation or yoga.Despite these commonalities, there are fundamental differences between the two perspectives. Christianity posits that the transformation and divinization of humans can only be achieved through a relationship with God and through the grace of Jesus Christ. It puts forth the belief in a personal God who actively seeks communion with humanity. On the other hand, the spiritual paths of self-realization explored in philosophy may not require a personal deity or external agency. The emphasis is more on self-effort and inner exploration to discover one's true nature.While the language of becoming God might seem unsettling or even sacrilegious to some, it is crucial to understand the underlying metaphorical nature of these expressions. The purpose behind the quote by Athanasius is not to challenge the divine nature but rather to emphasize the transformative possibilities and the ultimate harmony between humans and the divine. It directs our attention to the potential within each individual to realize their true identity and to unite with something greater than themselves.In conclusion, the quote by Athanasius encapsulates the core beliefs of Christianity, highlighting the transformative nature of the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the possibility for humanity to partake in the divine. By becoming God, it metaphorically implies the attainment of a divinized state or self-realization. While this notion shares some similarities with philosophical concepts of self-realization, it is essential to recognize the distinctions rooted in the specific beliefs and practices of each tradition. Ultimately, this quote invites reflection on the possibilities of personal transformation and an understanding of the deeper meaning of our existence.