Focusing on the “new Adam” in Christ, this excellent study sets forth the theological and anthropological basis for the doctrine of deification as expounded by St. Gregory Palamas (1296-1359), the greatest theologian of the later Byzantine period. For Palamas and the Fathers the term “spiritual” characterizes the human being reborn through the regenerative grace of the Holy Spirit. Just as a rational person is endowed with reason, a spiritual person is enriched by the grace of the Holy Spirit. The author explores the sacramental, ecclesiological, and moral implications of deification in Palamas’ works and relates this essential theological concept to the life of each person in the Church.

Publishes the basic points of discussion which the author had with a group of Christians. The introduction to the book records a few details about those taking part in the discussions and characteristic features of their personalities. The discussion leads to a shared realization that many people today, although they believe in God and want to follow the genuine way of life offered by the Church, nevertheless remain uncured in their souls because they do not know how to be cured. When replying to the questions of those conversing with him, the author always relies on the teaching of the holy Fathers of the Church, who set out in their writings the Orthodox method of healing the soul.