WORD STUDIES

The word of the day is “ quid pro quo ”

Why study “ quid pro quo ” at church?

Because both human and divine relationships entail quid pro quo exchanges.

Definition: quid pro quo, something that is given or taken in return for something else. ( Literal translation from the Latin: “this for that”

In contrast to the unilateral-transfer nature of a true gift, market economy entails bilateral exchanges of value, a.k.a. quid pro quo transactions.

Market economy is the decision- making and motivating mechanism of capitalism.

In contrast to the unilateral-transfer nature of a true gift, market economy entails bilateral exchanges of value, a.k.a. quid pro quo transactions. Market economy is the decision- making and motivating mechanism of capitalism. Quid pro quo exchanges are the essence of market transactions.

The material world in which we live is a quid pro quo world, i.e., one in which humans rationally expect something that they judge to be of the same or greater value in return for the value given in voluntary exchange.

The material world in which we live is a quid pro quo world, i.e., one in which humans rationally expect something that they judge to be of the same or greater value in return for the value given in voluntary exchange. The quid pro quo expectation is a characteristic of the human species that only occasionally is found in sub- human species.

The material world in which we live is a quid pro quo world, i.e., one in which humans rationally expect something that they judge to be of the same or greater value in return for the value given in voluntary exchange. The quid pro quo expectation is a characteristic of the human species that only occasionally is found in sub- human species. Can the quid pro quo principle apply to relations between the human and the divine?

Humans almost always want something from the deities that they worship: a good hunt, rainfall, abundant crops, children, good health, healing of disease, surgical success, longevity, safe transit, employment, income, wealth, etc. continued...

continuing... …and relief from violence occurring in nature (tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornados, etc.)...or violence perpetrated upon their persons or their property by other humans, etc.

continuing... …and relief from violence occurring in nature (tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornados, etc.)...or violence perpetrated upon their persons or their property by other humans, etc. …and forgiveness of sins.

continuing... …and relief from violence occurring in nature (tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tornados, etc.)...or violence perpetrated upon their persons or their property by other humans, etc. …and forgiveness of sins. …and salvation to a promised heavenly afterlife.

One might wonder whether it would even be possible for humans to worship a deity without wanting something from the deity. In expectation that their prayers of want will be answered, humans offer honor, worship, adoration, glorification, and obedience to their chosen deity. Quid pro quo !

And does the God, want anything from the human subjects?

The Judeo-Christian belief is that God created the world (indeed, in modern language, the whole universe) and gave the resources of the universe to humans to use.

And does the God, want anything from the human subjects? The Judeo-Christian belief is that God created the world (indeed, in modern language, the whole universe) and gave the resources of the universe to humans to use. And the accompanying presumption is that God does in fact expect obedience, and glorification, and adoration, and worship, and honor in return.

And does the God, want anything from the human subjects? The Judeo-Christian belief is that God created the world (indeed, in modern language, the whole universe) and gave the resources of the universe to humans to use. And the accompanying presumption is that God does in fact expect obedience, and glorification, and adoration, and worship, and honor in return. Another quid pro quo.

The Jewish tradition (Old Testament) is that the essential relationship between God and humans is one of human sinfulness that requires the human to confess sins, repent of them, and seek forgiveness from God.

Christianity (New Testament) adopted the sin-confession-repentance-forgiveness (SCRF) axis from the Jewish tradition.

The Jewish tradition (Old Testament) is that the essential relationship between God and humans is one of human sinfulness that requires the human to confess sins, repent of them, and seek forgiveness from God. Christianity (New Testament) adopted the sin-confession-repentance-forgiveness (SCRF) axis from the Jewish tradition. Further, Christians believe that forgiveness of sin and salvation to an afterlife follows from genuine confession and repentance of sin accompanied by belief in God’s son, Jesus, as savior.

The Jewish tradition (Old Testament) is that the essential relationship between God and humans is one of human sinfulness that requires the human to confess sins, repent of them, and seek forgiveness from God. Christianity (New Testament) adopted the sin-confession-repentance-forgiveness (SCRF) axis from the Jewish tradition. Further, Christians believe that forgiveness of sin and salvation to an afterlife follows from genuine confession and repentance of sin accompanied by belief in God’s son, Jesus, as savior. Quid pro qu o again.

It is a fair guess that humans almost certainly get more than they hope for or deserve in this exchange with God.

It is a fair guess that humans almost certainly get more than they hope for or deserve in this exchange with God. After all, God offers salvation to a heavenly eternity.

It is a fair guess that humans almost certainly get more than they hope for or deserve in this exchange with God. After all, God offers salvation to a heavenly eternity. But given human nature, it would also be a fair guess that through the ages God probably has gotten far less in return from humans that he might have hoped.

This presentation may be viewed in essay form on-line at: Click on the book-face “An Economist’s Meditations on Economy and Christianity” Click on “26. A Quid Pro Quo World”