 The Platonic influence on Maximus' thought can be seen most clearly in his theological anthropology.Here, Maximus adopted the Platonic model of exitus-reditus (exit and return), teaching that humanity was made in the image of God, and the purpose of salvation is to restore us to unity with God.This emphasis on divinization or "theosis" helped secure Maximus' place in Eastern theology, as these concepts have always held an important place in Eastern Christianity.