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Identifying deification: methodological reflections in response to the Oxford Handbook of Deification

Abstract:

This paper offers a reflection on methodological issues surrounding the historical study of deification in response to the approach proposed in the Oxford Handbook of Deification. The paper contextualises the OHD’s proposal in light of previous attempts to address the question of how to define/identify the concept of deification. The OHD’s proposal offers a promising new approach to this issue that can be helpfully understood by analogy to Wittgenstein’s concept of ‘family resemblance’. This paper argues in support of this view of deification as a ‘family resemblance concept’ while also suggesting an emendation to the OHD’s proposal by considering deification as involving claims about theological language.

Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1111/ijst.70029

Authors

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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Department:
Theology and Religion
Oxford college:
Christ Church
Role:
Author


Publisher:
Wiley
Journal:
International Journal of Systematic Theology More from this journal
Publication date:
2026-05-27
Acceptance date:
2025-10-09
DOI:
EISSN:
1468-2400
ISSN:
1463-1652


Language:
English
Pubs id:
2329112
Local pid:
pubs:2329112
Deposit date:
2025-11-18
ARK identifier:

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