We must be carefully nuanced here. The substantial, yet not insurmountable hurdle which must be supered is our response to the call of G-d to an infinitely closer, more substantial relationship with Him. A union both of natures and of spirits. Catholic and Orthodox Christians partake of the divine Nature.
This is something that goes quite beyond human understanding. It is a concept that must be - can only be - appreciated in historical context as the fulfillment of prophecy. It cannot be looked forward to, as that is too nebulous and indistinct. It must be gazed back upon. It must be pondered within the human heart’s search for its Maker.
No other relationship, whether inspired by love or hate, does that or can do that. It is predicated on the condescension of G-d to share human nature so as to redeem human nature, but - this is crucial - without altering or sacrificing one iota of His divinity. But, “share” is here mentioned not only in the context of the taking of human nature, but also in the context of distributing the grace of His Divine nature to those truly undeserving. Only an omnipotent G-d can create what man calls the hypostatic union.
Man cannot create union with G-d, as that is impossible. G-d on the other hand, freely chose to create a means for creation to be eternally united with Creator.
Yet, we are not a purely intellectual faith. The intellect may seek knowledge of G-d, but lacking the spiritual aspect, it remains shallow, even academic. Again, if the spiritual does not accord with, and meld with the intellectual, both forever remain stunted, unsatisfying, unfulfilling.
No one denies the loving, fearful relationship that many monotheistic religions have with G-d. Our elder Jewish brothers stand as irrefutable evidence of this. Where Catholic/Orthodox Christians differ is in the Divine nature being infused into us by the Word made Flesh. G-d cannot be less than He is, but in the assumption of human nature, Creator then bridges the gap, sharing in our nature so that we may share in His.
In an obvious example, Moses was as close to G-d as any man who ever trod this earth. Yet, he witnessed the Divine nature without partaking of it. Sacramental Christians have been called even closer to G-d, into union with Him, both physically and spiritually/mystically.
It is a fascinating subject and one which requires the active involvement of both intellect and spirit to comprehend.