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We explore the ideas and present-day relevance of 20th century theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, an influential, boundary-crossing voice in American public life. Niebuhr created the term "Christian realism:" a middle path between religious idealism and arrogance. Exploring his wide appeal, host Krista Tippett and three guests describe Niebuhr's legacy and ask what insights he brings to the political and religious dynamics of the early 21st century. |
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For the production of this program, Krista spoke with five people who are intimately acquainted with Reinhold Niebuhr's thought and work about how his ideas resonate in their life and work, including his daughter, Elisabeth Sifton, and Max Stackhouse. Here, you can access all the audio and transcripts. |
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Interactive Timeline
The interactive timeline (requires FlashPlayer 7) of Niebuhr's life and work contains dozens of artifacts and pictures from his papers at the Library of Congress and original copies of Niebuhr's fascinating correspondence with leading figures of his time. |
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Listen to archival audio of Niebuhr speaking and preaching on topics ranging from race relations to communism and human hope. |
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Richard
Wightman Fox |
| Fox is professor of history at the University of Southern California and author of Reinhold Niebuhr: A Biography. |
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Jean
Bethke Elshtain |
| Elshtain is an author and Laura Spelman Rockefeller Professor of Social and Political Ethics at the University of Chicago Divinity School. |
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Robin
Lovin |
| Lovin is Cary M. Maguire University Professor of Ethics at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, and the author of Reinhold Niebuhr and Christian Realism. |
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Niebuhr has been quoted and cited as an influence on Speaking of Faith more often than any other figure, on a wide range of topics, and by thinkers and activists on the right and left. And, whether on the right or the left, invoking Niebuhr invariably adds complexity, even struggle, to religious and political positions. |
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Additional Funding
Funding provided in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities |
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Developed for educators, college students, and advanced discussion groups, this study guide focuses on six selected topics of Niebuhr's life and thought pertinent to contemporary issues Americans face today. | |
