ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews major themes in period that address matters of economy and theology. Its aims to highlight doctrinal issues that pertain to the economy, rather than focus primarily on ethical or moral exhortations to particular economic attitudes and actions, although these are surely related. Despite being arguably the most examined era of Christian history with regard to theology, very little has been written about the economic theology of this formative stage of Christian tradition and “founding moment” in the West. A key theological model informing many Christian ideas of just giving was that of God as a wise and just economic administrator. The stewardship and administration undertaken by God, which was in turn carried out by ministers, was captured in Christian reflection on divine economy. One of the most significant manifestations of economic theology involves soteriology. The economic theology of late antiquity is rich and distinctive.
