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Document Details :

Title: A Practice of Love
Subtitle: Myrrha Lot-Borodine (1882-1954) and the Modern Revival of the Doctrine of Deification
Author(s): ZORGDRAGER, Heleen E.
Journal: Journal of Eastern Christian Studies
Volume: 64    Issue: 3-4   Date: 2012   
Pages: 287-307
DOI: 10.2143/JECS.64.3.2961413

Abstract :
The first scholar who introduced the Eastern doctrine of deification to a modern Western audience was Myrrha Lot-Borodine, in 1932/33. Born in Russia, she moved to France and became a specialist in medieval literature. The courteous poetry was a source of inspiration for her to discover the Christian mystical tradition and, subsequently, the treasures of patristic theology. This article presents the life and scholarly development of Lot-Borodine, reconstructs extensively her view of theosis, as becoming one with God in a contemplative movement of eros/agape, and discusses the deficient reception of her work. In the evaluation, Lot-Borodine’s theology is rehabilitated within the context of modern Orthodox theology and situated in relation to the different traditions of theosis. Finally, some insights into the gender-relevance of her work are formulated.