Focusing on the relationship between justification, gift-economy and ontology, this volume addresses fundamental issues in contemporary Reformation theology with an impact on the understanding of creation theology, human passivity/activity, self-giving, the concept of excess, and generosity. This volume brings the discussion of the role of studies in exchanging gifts into a Lutheran context, offering necessary clarifications on Lutheran thinking and Lutheran perspectives on existing discussions in other traditions. With its focus on gift-economy and ontology, this volume provides new perspectives on the core of Lutheran theology and identifies the crucial issues. The volume contains English and German studies. With contributions by: Oswald Bayer, Ingolf U. Dalferth, Risto Saarinen, Bo Kristian Holm, Niels Henrik Gregersen, Christine Poder, Peter Widmann