Fr. Josh discusses what it means to become partakers of God's divine nature, how Enoch and Elijah were taken up to heaven prior to the time of Christ, and how the Church looks at mental health when investigating apparitions and visions.

"For the Son of God became man so that we might become God."- St. Athanasius

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Questions

Union with God

Hi Fr. Josh,

I have a lot of Mormon/LDS friends and one topic that has come up is deification - their belief that they can become gods and rule their own planet in the next life. They quoted St. Irenaeus, who said that God had "become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself." as well as other church fathers. I did some research, and it looks like Catholic teaching includes deification to a certain degree, but I'm confused. Do we, as Catholics, believe that we will become like God to a level that we're equal with Him? Thanks for your help!

-Jane

Enoch & Elijah

My question is regarding the Old Testament, the Bible says that Enoch was taken to heaven and a chariot took Elijah to heaven but I was taught that no one actually went to heaven before Jesus died and bridged that gap. Where were Enoch and Elijah when they were taken to heaven?

-Cristina

Visionary Saints

I've been reading a lot about marian apparitions and saints who have experienced miraculous visions. I was wondering how the church determines whether or not these visions are from God or if the person is simply experiencing psychosis. Many people with schizophrenia or other mental health disorders experience religious visions. How do we know visionary saints didn't simply suffer with mental illness?

-Kaysie

Resources

• Submit your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
• Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
• Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
• Pocket Guide to Reconciliation by Fr. Josh Johnson & Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.

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