How to Achieve Theosis
There is very little information available to the transsexual who wishes to explore the saving aspect in Eastern Christian philosophy. Thus in an attempt to analyze it, I have attempted to undertake a view of it in an Orthodox understanding. A view that I personally feel is necessary to be heard in our community. I in no ways make claim to be a specialist in Orthodox theology. Nor do I pretend to present false credentials. I do, however, want to offer an alternative to the standard transsexual Christian apologies.
But before all else, to properly understand this view of transsexualism one must put aside all their prior learning. I do not for a second even imagine me having the ability to sum up the basis of Eastern theology, but it is necessary to try in order to relate to my thesis. Better material is available in the links section.
One must first abandon the legalistic way of looking at sin and salvation. This method has even been used increasingly by Eastern Christians. Therefore, abandon the legalistic way of approaching theology! To begin with, salvation must be understood as a process, not an action that will be completed. This is a process known to Orthodox Christians as Theosis. This can be translated, roughly as deification. Theosis is where a human can become like God. This process begins at conception and continues for eternity. Why should it not? If we become like God then we must be eternal like him. In fact, Saint Athanasius argues that this is the entire point of the incarnation. When we say we become like God, we must understand that this isn"t like God himself or another divinity of some lesser sort. We are, however, filled with the Light and Energy of God, which is God. We know God personally. This light is the same seen by Moses in the Burning Bush. It is the light that the disciples felt and were pushed to the ground during the transfiguration at Mount Tabor. It is the light that emanated from Saint Seraphim of Sarov and blinded (metaphorically speaking of course) his spiritual sons and daughters.
The remarkable thing, though, is that we retain our personalities. I prefer to base my views on Saint Innocent of Alaska"s wonderful writings. That is we will have a perfected version of life. You know the satisfaction gained from gardening or other work? The Kingdom of Heaven, after this world, will be like this. However, the sweat and pain will not be felt. Rather one will only feel the joy of performing this act. (Please note that for the sake of compression and understandability I am making greater use of imagery than literality). This joy will be even greater, because every single action performed will be done in the glorification of God and in His Love. In turn, His love in us will increase.
However, one may ask, how this relates to one"s present and earthly situation. It relates, because the process to the Kingdom has already begun. Everything we do is meant to glorify God. We are to love our life around God. Thus, if salvation, if Theosis is becoming like God, then to become like God we must live like Jesus. Now, any reasonable person will protest, "That is impossible! Christ is divine! I am a mere mortal." This is true. That is why the Church is always flexible in what she dictates. One will find that few things in life are black and white.
Let us then ask how can we not achieve theosis? One does not receive it when one does not orient his or her life towards God. The man who does not act like Christ will not live in the Kingdom. For if salvation leads to knowing God, how can one know God if he does not live according to his precepts and live as His Son. The old adage is true, imitation is the truest form of flattery. This is complicated, though, to understand. Jesus, therefore, explains in John that we must first love God, then love our neighbour. In other words, to be like Christ we must praise God at all times and be charitable towards our neighbour. That"s not exactly good news either. I think all, but the proudest of us, will admit that we do not even come close to performing that. Yet, Christ"s Church interprets this with hope. In her prayers we ask God to judge us by our faith and not our works (Thou O my Christ hast said: Whoever believes in Me shall live and never see death. If faith in Thee saves the desperate, save me, for Thou art my God and Creator. Impute my faith instead of deeds, O my God, for Thou wilt find no deeds which could justify me, but may my faith suffice for all my deeds. May it answer for and acquit me, and may it make me a partaker of Thy eternal glory.) Still though we are in danger. If the faith of a mustered seed could move a mountain, then little of us have faith. Yet, God is merciful. Look at the saints in the Church: the publican, the thief on the cross, Mary Magdalene, etc. What made them great is they continually asked for mercy. They realized they had little faith and devotion to God and had led uncharitable lives. Yet, they wanted to try to live better. They also asked some variant on the Jesus Prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy on me [a sinner]." They realized that they were sinners and nothing. They were the last. "But who shall be last shall be first" This is how we ultimately achieve Theosis. Realizing that in the grand scheme of things we are nothing. We then live life in humility and ask God, our God, for mercy. We do so continually. And when we fail, then we move on and begin all over again. After this live Theosis will be constant joy. Yet, theosis must begin in this live. Will all achieve salvation? I don not know. However, I have faith in God"s mercy that many will if they just come to Him. For achieving salvation is to learn to love God and your neighbour. Most of all, to achieve salvation is simply doing this: It is falling down, and getting back up; falling down, and getting back up; falling down, and getting back up.