{"product_id":"god-and-the-gift-an-ecumenical-theology-of-giving-9780814630136","title":"God and the Gift: An Ecumenical Theology of Giving","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003ci\u003eGod and the Gift\u003c\/i\u003e. Risto Saarinen asks if we can approach these discussions from the perspective of giver?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eGod and the Gift\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eGod and the Gift \u003c\/i\u003eoutlines 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChapters are Introduction: Giving and Receiving,\" *The Gift: Contemporary Approaches, - *New Testament and Martin Luther, - *Forgiveness and Negative Giving, - *Sacrifice and Thanksgiving, - *Giving an Example - Being Gifted, - and *Ecumenical Sharing. - \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eRisto 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.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Liturgical Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 07\/01\/2005\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780814630136\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 160\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.50lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.02h x 6.06w x 0.34d","brand":"Risto Saarinen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51817761603765,"sku":"9780814630136","price":14.41,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_c403470d-1d1c-4484-ae9e-bc3b2b53fa4f.jpg?v=1759241607","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/god-and-the-gift-an-ecumenical-theology-of-giving-9780814630136","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}