Here are a few intro‑level discussion questions you can pair with that table.
### Intro-level discussion questions
1. **Same salvation, different language?**
Looking at Barth, Bavinck, and Evangelical Calvinism, do you think they are ultimately talking about the same reality as Eastern Orthodox “theosis,” just using different words? Why or why not?[1][2][3]
2. **Union with Christ as center**
All three emphasize union with Christ, but in slightly different ways. Which description of union with Christ (Barth, Bavinck, Evangelical Calvinism) is easiest for you to understand, and why?[2][3][1]
3. **Creator–creature distinction and theosis**
How can Christians speak about “sharing in God’s life” or “deification” while still keeping a clear distinction between Creator and creature, as Reformed theologians insist?[3][2]
4. **Practical implications**
If salvation is not only forgiveness but also participation in Christ’s life (a kind of theosis), how might that change the way a local church talks about discipleship and spiritual growth?[4][3]
Sources
[1] Karl Barth’s Reformed Doctrine of Theosis in Contradistinction to the … https://growrag.wordpress.com/
[2] Dennis Greeson: Herman Bavinck, Theosis & T.F. Torrance https://thelaymenslounge.com/
[3] Theosis in the Theology of Thomas Torrance | Myk Habets https://www.taylorfrancis.com/
[4] Theosis in the Theology of Thomas Torrance: A Review | https://jasongoroncy.com/2010/
