Gift Exchange: Issues in Ecumenical Theology

Numerous scholars in Social Theory and Theology discuss the concept of gift in our days. The present book seeks to benefit from this for the sake of ecumenical hermeneutics: A gift is presented by one to another person, so the person receiving it at the same time is enabled to a better self. Successful ecumenical dialogues consist in giving and receiving gifts of this kind. The book gives an exposition of this concept and then takes a tour d'horizon through ecumenical dialogues the Lutheran Church and theology are intertwined with, Lutheran-Anglican deliberations on the office of ecclesial oversight and Lutheran-Baptist dialogues on the concept of baptism among them. In the light of these findings the last chapter reflects on ecumenical hermeneutics in order to further improve its methods.