Reinhold Niebuhr Theologian of Public Life

Reinhold Niebuhr, the most significant North American theologian since the eighteenth century, has decisively influenced the shape of Christian thought and action in the United States for much of the twentith century. Niebuhr addressed social and political issues from the perspective of "Christian Realism." This was his blend of liberalism, shrewd social analysis, and elements within the Augustinian tradition. His legacy continues to be influenced through his writings and the work of many of his distinguished students. Larry Rasmussen's introductory essay and notes on the selected texts set Niebuhr in his historical context, chart the development of his thought and indicate the significance of his theology in the development of Christian theology as a whole. Substantial selections from Niebuhr's work illustrate key themes:

The disorders of a technical civilization

Morality and power

Preachers and prophets

Augustine and Christian realism

Grace and sin

Justice and love

Nature and destiny

Theological ideas, political and social ministry

Coherence, incoherence and Christian faith

The king's chapel and king's court

The theological virtues