this word is the (True) purpose of human life

Summary

The video explores the concept of theosis, the purpose of human life as becoming united with God by grace. It emphasizes that humans, created in God's image, possess unique gifts that enable them to pursue this divine union. The transcript discusses the significance of Christ's Incarnation in restoring humanity's communion with God, countering the separation caused by the Fall. It presents a call for repentance and a return to God, highlighting the transformative power of grace in the Orthodox Christian tradition. Ultimately, theosis represents a profound spiritual journey toward realizing one's true purpose and identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The purpose of human life is to achieve theosis, or union with God by grace.
• 😀 Man is created in God's image and likeness, which sets him apart from other creatures.
• 😀 Theosis involves a personal relationship with God, beyond mere moral improvement.
• 😀 Christ's Incarnation is essential for humanity to attain theosis and restore communion with God.
• 😀 Moral teachings alone are insufficient; the ultimate goal is to become divine through grace.
• 😀 The Fall resulted in spiritual death, separating humanity from God and impairing the path to theosis.
• 😀 Ancient philosophers and virtuous people sought God but lacked the true knowledge necessary for theosis.
• 😀 The Church Fathers affirm that God became man to enable humans to become gods by grace.
• 😀 Repentance and humility are crucial for reconnecting with God and progressing toward theosis.
• 😀 The transformative journey of theosis provides true peace and fulfillment, addressing humanity's deepest longings.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of human life according to the video?

The primary purpose of human life, as stated in the video, is to achieve theosis, which is becoming 'God by Grace' through a personal union with God.

What does the term 'theosis' mean?

Theosis refers to the process of becoming one with God, not just morally better, but attaining a deep, ontological relationship with the Creator.

How does the video differentiate between humans and other creatures?

Humans are unique because they are created in God's image and likeness, possessing gifts like conscience and individual sovereignty, which allow them to seek communion with God.

Why is the Incarnation of Christ considered crucial for achieving theosis?

The Incarnation is crucial because it provides the means for humans to restore their broken relationship with God, making theosis possible, which was not attainable prior to Christ.

What does the video suggest about contemporary human feelings of emptiness?

It suggests that modern individuals often feel a sense of emptiness because they are not on the path of theosis, leading to a lack of true joy and peace despite various life pursuits.

What are the consequences of the Fall as described in the video?

The Fall, caused by the egotism of Adam and Eve, resulted in humanity's separation from God and spiritual death, diminishing the qualifications needed for theosis.

How is the relationship between moral improvement and theosis characterized?

The video characterizes moral improvement as insufficient on its own; while it is important, the greater purpose is to achieve a union with God through theosis.

What role do the church fathers play in understanding theosis?

The church fathers emphasize that theosis is a central teaching in Orthodox Christianity, affirming that God became man to enable humanity to become God by Grace.

What does the anecdote about the monk at his deathbed illustrate?

The anecdote illustrates the profound spiritual experience of those who have attained a high degree of communion with God, highlighting the transformative power of divine presence.

How does the video critique modern philosophical and psychological systems?

The video critiques these systems as being poor and inadequate in addressing humanity's yearning for true meaning and fulfillment, compared to the teaching of theosis in Orthodox Christianity.