Welcome to Godmanhood
A tribute to the best group of DMin friends and our time in and around San Anselmo
Welcome to Godmanhood
A tribute to the best group of DMin friends and our time in and around San Anselmo
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Godmanhood - An Intro
Godmanhood (Russian: Bogochelovechestvo) is a central philosophical and theological concept developed by 19th-century Russian philosopher Vladimir Solovyov. It signifies the synthesis of human and divine natures, proposing that humanity can achieve union with God through voluntary spiritual development and that Christ’s incarnation is the perfect model of this synthesis. 
Aspects of Godmanhood:
- Definition: It is often described as "Divine Humanity," where man acts as the intermediary between the world and God, bridging the gap through "total-unity" (vsetsel'nost').
- Process, not just State: Godmanhood is seen as a historical and spiritual process ("God-human process") where humanity cooperates with God to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth.
- Significance: It challenges the separation between Creator and creation, allowing humans to become gods by grace (theosis) without losing their humanity.
- The Trinity/Incarnation: Solovyov argued that Christ's incarnation in human nature is the perfect, foundational example of Godmanhood, representing the "All-unity" or the ultimate union of all things.
Britannica +5
Key Concepts in Solovyov's Philosophy:
- Sophia (Divine Wisdom): Solovyov often associated this divine-human process with the manifestation of Sophia, or Divine Wisdom.
- Sobornost: The concept relates to a "community of all within the church," promoting spiritual unity.
- Social/Political Implications: Godmanhood is not just individual salvation but also implies the transformation of society and the reunion of Christian churches.
Dr Sarah J. Young +2
Lectures on Godmanhood (1877–1881) is one of Solovyov’s most well-known works, analyzing this doctrine extensively.