Elohim. A word that in Hebrew is broader in meaning than our English word "god". Although it is possible for the English speaker to use "god" in a derogatory or at least clearly sub-divine sense, we normally think in terms of Deity. And those who are given to the mysterious and susceptible to a good compliment will gladly latch on to this bit of information. Looks good on the resume, I suppose. Believer, saint, Reverend, god.

Before I take a look at the only two passages in Scripture that give a clue about this new doctrine, I say -well I already said it - that the rest of the Bible is chillingly silent about such a notion. Adopted sons of the living God, for sure. And, yes, we shall be like Jesus when at last we see Him and He changes our vile bodies. But for now it is best we imitate the other followers of Jesus by referring to ourselves as servants, or more accurately in Biblical jargon, slaves. So damaging to the ego, and therefore more fit for our growth in righteousness.

The two passages to which I allude are really one. Psalm 82:6, and the quoting of Psalm 82:6 by Jesus in John 10:34.

The Psalm has the real God in a fit of anger against the so-called "gods" that He Himself had allowed to be lifted to prominence, and who were therefore being treated like Divine royalties by their underlings. But His anger is spilled on them because of their injustices to their fellow-man. They defended evil. They were ignorant. They are told to turn around quick.

But they refuse, and the Lord says to them, Well, I said you are "gods" (Elohim, judges, nobles, important personages) but you will die like mortal ordinary men!

So the gods of the Psalm were evil men.

Fast forward 1000 years. The Son of God, who really is God the Son, the real God, without reservation from the Father at all, has just offended the Pharisees by declaring HIs Deity. They say He has no business calling Himself "God". This is blasphemy, they say.

Jesus' response is that His Father had called a bunch of mortal men with not a spark of the Divine in them "god". Why should not the sanctified holy true Son of the true God not be allowed to claim the same title?

Now it takes a lot of imagining to go from that one solitary statement, coupled to Jesus' commentary about it, to the notion that all true Christians are really little gods.

But imagine they do, these vain imaginers of today's Christendom.