Description:
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.