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This paper explores methodological challenges in defining deification, particularly in light of recent scholarship.

May 30, 2026Open Access

Identifying Deification: Methodological Reflections in Response to the Oxford Handbook of Deification

Key Points

This paper explores methodological challenges in defining deification, particularly in light of recent scholarship.
Analyzes the proposal from the Oxford Handbook of Deification (OHD) in the context of prior definitions.
Utilizes Wittgenstein's concept of family resemblance to frame the understanding of deification.
Proposes an emendation by incorporating theological language as part of deification.
Supports the view of deification as a family resemblance concept.
Suggests modifications to the OHD's proposal for a clearer understanding of deification.
Highlights the importance of theological language in defining deification.

Abstract

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.

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