Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Closed Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in History and University Honors

Department

History

Language

English

Subjects

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) -- Criticism and interpretation, Theologians -- United States – Biography, Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) -- Influence

DOI

10.15760/honors.1027

Abstract

Reinhold Niebuhr was a complex theologian and intellectual, both a liberal and a critic of the left. His ideologies regarding modem ethics, philosophy, domestic and international crises during most of the twentieth century arose from the notion that man was both evil and capable of great change. Niebuhr often found simple solutions to ideological questions as incomplete and inadequate, and formulated answers to vexing questions by exposing the dialectic of the crises. This thesis attempts to follow his story, examining both the way in which the crises and events of the twentieth century shaped his ideology as well as the way that he, in turn, shaped American thought. In addition, this thesis examines the recent 'Niebuhr Revival' in which polemists, academics, popular media and social movements have all looked to Niebuhr in shaping popular discourse today.

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Comments

This thesis is only available to students, faculty and staff at PSU.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/35531

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