In his book "Free of Charge," Miroslav Volf explores the idea of a "Santa Claus God," portraying a deity characterized by generosity but lacking the qualities of righteousness and holiness that humans are meant to emulate. This perspective emphasizes the importance of recognizing that, while God embodies infinite goodness, humans are created in God's image, tasked with living morally and lovingly, reflecting God's nature in their actions.

Volf points out that many worshippers focus on God's generosity while neglecting the call to imitate divine attributes, such as loving one’s enemies and acting justly. He argues that fulfilling our human potential means aligning our lives with God's character and behavior, embodying the righteousness and holiness intended for us, therefore leading to a deeper understanding of our relationship with the divine.