On Being with Krista Tippett David Brooks and E.J. Dionne — Obama's Theologian: Reinhold Niebuhr and the American Present
12 snips
Aug 13, 2009 
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Christian Realism Balances Power And Humility
- Reinhold Niebuhr blends humility about human sin with acceptance of necessary power in politics.
- Niebuhr's Christian realism held that we must use institutions and power while remaining conscious of moral fallibility.
Brooks' Interview Revealed Obama's Niebuhr Fluency
- David Brooks asked Barack Obama if he read Niebuhr and got a 20-minute, paragraph-perfect summary in response.
- Brooks recalls feeling impressed and surprised that a presidential candidate could recite Niebuhr so fluently.
Reconciling Niebuhrian Humility With American Optimism
- Niebuhr warns of humility, tragedy, and sin while American tradition prizes optimism and risk-taking.
- The central challenge is reconciling American optimism with Niebuhr's call for modesty in policy decisions like stimulus spending.
