Transfiguration (religion) explained

In a religious context, transfiguration, from Latin transfiguratio, is the experience of momentary divine radiance. It can function as a form of apotheosis.[1]

In the Judeo-Christian scriptures and tradition

Jesus

See main article: Transfiguration of Jesus.

Jacob

In the Ladder of Jacob, at the conclusion of this instruction, instead of simply being given the new name Israel, Jacob is introduced to his heavenly counterpart, the angel Israel.

Enoch

In the Book of Enoch, when Enoch returns to Earth, he tells his children that although they see him as the earthly, human Enoch, there is likewise an angelic Enoch (Metatron) that has stood in the Lord's Presence.

Elijah

In the departure of Elijah to heaven by chariot of fire, and horses of fire and lifted up by a whirlwind to heaven.

Mary

Lumen gentium states that "the Immaculate Virgin [...] was exalted by the Lord as Queen of the universe, that she might be the more fully confirmed to her Son, the Lord of lords and the conqueror of sin and death".

In Buddhism

The Buddha is said to have been twice transfigured, at the moment of his enlightenment and at the moment of his death.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Hoffmann . R. Joseph . R. Joseph Hoffmann . Marcion, on the Restitution of Christianity: An Essay on the Development of Radical Paulinist Theology in the Second Century . Issue 46 of American Academy of Religion series, ISSN 0277-1071 . 1984 . Chico, California . Scholars Press . 1984 . 137 . 9780891306382 . 29 April 2022 . Marcion apparently saw the transfiguration as the apotheosis of the Unknown God [...]..
  2. E.J. Thomas, The Life of Buddha, p245; EW Hopkins, The Message of Buddhism to Christianity, The Biblical World, Vol. 28, No. 2 (Aug., 1906), pp. 94-107