Deification was not only a pagan concept but a metaphor for a deeply Christian view of the purpose of human life. This is the first book on the subject for over sixty years. It brings together much recent research on the Church Fathers from the second to the seventh centuries, offering an analysis of their spiritual teaching and setting it within the context of the times. The scope and precision of this book are beyond praise...the work is an admirable resource and could ardly be bettered.