God and the Gift: An Ecumenical Theology of Giving

by Risto Saarinen

The observation that contemporary theological and philosophical discussions about ecumenism center on the issues of reception and the gift but neglect the basic act of giving is the starting point of God and the Gift . Risto Saarinen asks if we can approach these discussions from the perspective of giver? In God and the Gift Saarinen demonstrates that we do have theological resources that enable us to outline a theology of giving. He deals with basic philosophical and theological resources and outlines some specific modes of giving, in particular forgiveness, sacrifice and thanksgiving, and living by example. God and the Gift outlines a brief theology of giving by employing both classical theology and contemporary discussions. It also points out the ecumenical relevance of the theology of giving. For those who are more interested in particular theological and philosophical topics, some new interpretations are offered for further discussion. Among these are an interpretation of forgiveness as negative giving, a discussion on the relationship between sacrifice and divine non-violence, and a new proposal to conceptualize various types of Christian imitation. These aims are connected with the overall claim that instead of looking at reception and the gift itself we should focus on giving. Saarinen illustrates this shift of perspective with observations and examples. Though not discussed exhaustively, they serve as preliminary signposts showing us the way to proceed. Chapters are Giving and Receiving," *The Contemporary Approaches, - *New Testament and Martin Luther, - *Forgiveness and Negative Giving, - *Sacrifice and Thanksgiving, - *Giving an Example - Being Gifted, - and *Ecumenical Sharing. - Risto Saarinen, ThD, PhD, is professor of ecumenical theology at the University of Helsinki and a member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters. He served as research professor at the Centre d'Etudes Oecumeniques in Strasbourg from 1994 to 1999. "

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2005

About the author

Prof. Saarinen’s research focuses on two distinct areas: in ecumenism, he publishes mostly on the bilateral dialogues of the Lutheran churches. He also regularly update his Homepage on the various ongoing Lutheran-Orthodox dialogues. In historical scholarship, he publishes on late medieval, Renaissance and Reformation thought. His recent historical work involves the concepts of will, freedom and self-control, so-called “philosophical psychology,” and the theological applications of gift exchange, gratitude and hospitality. As with freedom and gift exchange, in some cases historical topics intersect with modern ecumenical and theological discussions.