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Christianity, in general, is a monotheistic religion and confirms the existence of a single god.

But in the Trinity God exists in three forms. And the three forms are equal except for relational differences.

It is well-known that we are not equal to God in at least many or all aspects. But my doubt is about the possibility of becoming God in all aspects at any point in time (includes post-death).

Can a human become God, in all aspects, according to any denomination?

No restrictions on human or time or place are assumed. I mean one is allowed to assume any human, any time (before or after death), any place (universe or heaven).

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  • This question requires clarity, definition and detail. Scripture tells us that 'now are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be', 1 John 3:2. Jesus quotes the psalm 'Said I not, ye are gods ?' John 10:34. So the question, as it stands, cannot be answered without some editing. And this is, in any case, a very broad subject. It arguably falls into the category of 'philosophical'.
    – Nigel J
    Commented Oct 20, 2020 at 11:44
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    Are you wanting to know if there are monotheistic/Trinitarian denominations which say we can become God(s), or does the Mormon doctrine of exaltation count too?
    – curiousdannii ♦
    Commented Oct 20, 2020 at 11:56
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    @NigelJ, the question does not require any further "clarity, definition and detail", nor is broad or philosophical. It simply asks whether any denominations have this belief. It's a simple "yes" or "no" question that can easily be confirmed by the existence of such denominations.
    – Ray Butterworth
    Commented Oct 20, 2020 at 17:53
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    I find it interesting that of the two answers so far, both responding "yes" and providing an example of such a denomination, one has only upvotes and no comments, while mine has only downvotes and comments questioning the validity of the example's doctrines. Why such a difference in response? (What's even more interesting is that while we don't know each other, both of us happen to live in the same small city comprising .0015% of the world's population.)
    – Ray Butterworth
    Commented Oct 21, 2020 at 1:11
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    The Mormon church is one denomination that makes this claim.
    – Ben Smith
    Commented Oct 21, 2020 at 9:16

2 Answers 2

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Almost all Christian denominations hold that God is fundamentally different from Humans, particularly in that God is uncreated, eternal and the creator of everything that is. Humans thus cannot become God.

The only denomination I know of that teaches that Humans can become equal with God (and can in fact become gods) is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also called the Mormon Church.

In LDS doctrine, the goal of each adherent is to receive "exaltation" through the atonement of Jesus. If a person receives exaltation, they inherit all the attributes of God the Father, including godhood. Mormons believe that these people will become gods and goddesses in the afterlife, and will have "all power, glory, dominion, and knowledge".

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  • While I think this answer could benefit from being extended, it is good in that it highlights a major point: In most denominations, humans are created beings fundamentally different from the creator. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints teaches that all humans are literally children of God, and as such NOT fundamentally different, just as children are not fundamentally different from adults. And the differences that there are due to our fallen nature are (have been? will be?) overcome by Jesus.
    – kutschkem
    Commented Oct 21, 2020 at 16:23
  • Rather than relying on Wikipedia (which I doubt any of us believe adequately reflects anyone's canon... 😁), here's the LDS Topical Guide for Man, Potential to Become like Heavenly Father. That's a list of Biblical and LDS Scriptural references to support our belief.
    – JBH
    Commented Oct 22, 2020 at 5:04
  • @JBH I struggled to find a page on the LDS site that describes the doctrine. The page you link, while somewhat helpful, is a one sentence summary of the doctrine with some bible references they believe support it. I went with a quote that described the doctrine in more detail. The Wikipedia page has references for those that want to follow up.
    – DJClayworth
    Commented Oct 22, 2020 at 13:11
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    Ah! Try this statement from the Church, this from Lorenzo Snow, and this chapter from the Foundations of the Restoration teacher manual.
    – JBH
    Commented Oct 22, 2020 at 15:15
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Yes, there are Christian denominations that believe that man will become equal to God. The 5th Commandment, to honour one's parents, would leave us still subordinate, even though equal.

Building this family is in fact the entire purpose of God's creation.

Many of these denominations have "Church of God" in their names (though not all denominations with that name share these beliefs).

Here is one example:

Regrettably, the Trinity doctrine has been a major barrier to clear comprehension of the biblical truth that God is a divine family.

The God family is headed by the Father and presently consists of God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ. Their plan and desire is fully focused on "bringing many sons [and daughters] to glory" (Hebrews 2:10). This has been planned from the beginning.

Jesus Christ is "the firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18)—"the firstborn among many brethren" (Romans 8:29). These passages mean that many more are going to join the family as divine spirit beings like the Father and Christ at the first resurrection, when the righteous are raised to everlasting life (see 1 Corinthians 15:49-54; 1 John 3:1-2; Revelation 20:6).

Those who are truly converted and have received God's Holy Spirit are already reckoned to be a part of the family (again, see Ephesians 3:14-15). They await the final step at the second coming.

At that time Jesus "will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body" (Philippians 3:21). Then it can be said in its fullest sense, "I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:18).

— from 10 Things You Should Know About God | United Church of God

Additional evidence of their belief that man can become God:

God Became Man so Man Can Become God: The Chief Cornerstone | United Church of God

And supporting evidence from early Christianity:

Early Theologians on Becoming Divine | United Church of God

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    The question asks if we will be like God in every aspect, not whether we will be sons of God.
    – Mike Borden
    Commented Oct 20, 2020 at 23:33
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    @MikeBorden, no, the question asks if any denominations believe we will become God. There really are denominations that believe that, and I gave an example of one, the United Church of God. Jesus was the firstborn son of the Father. These denominations believe that saved Christians will become his younger siblings. And children are generally equal to their siblings and parents in all aspects except for deferring to the parents in terms of authority. They say: "*We believe that the reason for mankind's existence is literally to be born as spirit beings into the family of God *".
    – Ray Butterworth
    Commented Oct 21, 2020 at 0:36
  • @MikeBorden trinitarians say that being son of God means Jesus is God. Sharing the same nature and all that.
    – Kristopher
    Commented Oct 21, 2020 at 0:46
  • "In all aspects" is a qualifier in the question. Does the United Church of God teach that people will become uncreated and self-existent?
    – Mike Borden
    Commented Oct 21, 2020 at 12:20
  • @Kris A major distinction exists between an only begotten Son (Jesus) and sons by creation and adoption (believers).
    – Mike Borden
    Commented Oct 21, 2020 at 12:21

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