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The patristic tradition (Patristics, Patrology) always related the doctrine of creation (§4) to Christology and ecclesiology (Church). Only thus could it be properly seen as a statement of faith (Dogmatics 1.2.5). It found fuller development only during the Arian controversy (Arianism). Against the Arians Athanasius (ca. 297–373) made a radical distinction between the eternal begetting of the Son (Christology 2.1, 2.2, and 3) and the temporal making of creatures. Christ as Son is consubstantial with the Father (God 6). Creation was made ex…

1. Patristic and Eastern Orthodox Theology 1.1. Term The Gk. term theōsis (deification, divinization) became a common term in Greek Christian theology (Orthodox Christianity 7) under which to describe ¶ God’s economy with us and the world and to show the world what its final destiny is (Order of Salvation 1.1). In its proper use, theōsis cannot be equated with other terms in Western theology like “justification,” “redemption” (Soteriology), “reconciliation,” or “sanctification.” It can be understood only in relation to the total theological structur…