The "Little Gods" Doctrine in Mormon Theology

The "little gods" doctrine is a theological concept that suggests humans are or can become like God, often based on a misunderstanding of Psalm 82:6, where God says to those who are corrupt, "I said, 'You are gods, sons of the Most High.'" However, this passage is not teaching that humans are divine or have the potential to become gods, but rather it is addressing those who have been given authority and responsibility by God, yet are abusing it. In 2 Peter 1:4, we see that believers do become "partakers of the divine nature," but this is through union with Christ, not through any inherent divinity in themselves.

This doctrine matters because it touches on the fundamental nature of God and humanity, and it has implications for how we understand our relationship with God and our place in the world. If we consider ourselves to be "little gods," we may begin to blur the lines between the Creator and the creature, leading to a diminished view of God's sovereignty and majesty. The Reformed tradition, with its emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the total depravity of humanity, stands in contrast to this doctrine, highlighting the vast chasm between God's holiness and our sinfulness.

The "little gods" doctrine can be a subtle form of idolatry, where human beings are elevated to a status that is rightfully God's alone. As Psalm 82:6-7 goes on to say, those who are called "gods" will nonetheless die like men, highlighting the fundamental difference between God's nature and humanity's. This truth addresses the heart's tendency to seek autonomy and self-exaltation, and it points us instead to the gospel, where we find our true identity and purpose in Christ, who is the image of the invisible God, and who has reconciled us to God through his death and resurrection.