Why Niebuhr Matters

Although Niebuhr died in 1971, political leaders including Barack Obama, Madeleine Albright, and John McCain acknowledge his influence on their thinking today. This concise book explains why Niebuhr remains important in our own uncertain times.
A leading social theorist analyzes how and why Niebuhr's revival has taken place, ultimately arguing for his political and moral relevance today

"Reinhold Niebuhr, as a theologian and political thinker, has never been more urgently relevant than he is today. Charles Lemert has eloquently located Niebuhr's work in its original setting while highlighting its critical importance to the international moral dilemmas we currently face. This well-crafted book is for anyone interested in the interaction of religion, politics and morality."--Harvey Cox, Harvard University--Harvey Cox
"A gifted and creative expositor, Lemert provides careful analyses of Niebuhr's most important works, the develoment of his thinking in response to his own life history and concurrent world events, and his study of thinkers like Augustine and Max Weber. . . . Scholars and laypersons alike will find this volume valuable. Highly recommended."--Choice--P. L. Urban, Jr. "Choice" (6/1/2012 12:00:00 AM)
"From beginning to end this book is a wonderful read--brisk, intelligent, and relevant, filled with delicious asides, personal reflections, and unexpected turns."--Alan Wolfe, Boston College--Alan Wolfe (5/10/2011 12:00:00 AM)