Reinhold Niebuhr's Paradox

We are caught between tendencies toward moral paralysis and postures of violence, with their intellectual birthing grounds reflected even among those who consciously seek to avoid them. Reinhold Niebuhr’s paradoxical conception of the self, and his defense of traditional Christian convictions in this light, opens the door to a deeper understanding of the problem as well as its potential solution.

Daniel Malotky is the professor of religion and philosophy at Greensboro College.

Introduction Chapter 1: The New Pragmatists Chapter 2: Paradox and Pragmatism Chapter 3: Pragmatism and Tradition Chapter 4: Violence and Despair Chapter 5: Love Conclusion