Reinhold Niebuhr: His Religious, Social, and Political Thought

This collection of essays, by world scholars of different faiths and fields of study, eloquently documents the importance and continuing influence of Niebuhr’s extensive body of work. Following an intellectual autobiography by Niebuhr are twenty essays forming a candid and vigorous discussion spanning the range of Niebuhr’s thought. Since Niebuhr first came to the world’s attention as a critic of social conditions, the book begins with an examination of his social thought, especially as a Christian ethicist, proceeding from this to the political sphere. Further essays offer critical exposition, criticism, and questions on such topics as Niebuhr’s philosophy of history, his role in American political thought and life, his theology, and the historical roots of his thought. For this new edition, there are updated essays by John Bennett, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., and Kenneth Thompson, plus new interpretations by Ronald Stone and Richard Fox. Other contributors include Paul Tillich, Emil Brunner, and Abraham I. Heschel. A bibliography of Niebuhr’s work has been brought up to date by D. B. Robertson.