Description: This book examines contemporary American politics and policy from a political-theological perspective. The work analyzes the value of Niebuhr's political thought for American statecraft and suggests that Niebuhr's Christian realism can ground citizens' understanding of political life.
Review Quotes:
"Summarily, this book adventuresomely presses its aim: "What would Niebuhr (think and) do now?" (xiii). Unpacking the question, it exemplifies a political philosophy and science perspective and elaborates the daunting challenge of moving from profound analysis and convictions to actual policies that name, unmask obstacles, and engage collective social justice measures." --Reading Religion
"This book is unique in offering a bridge between different fields of scholarship. Niebuhr is often treated entirely separately in theology and history on the one hand, and in political science on the other. This work does what the title claims, delivering both an account of Niebuhr's theory (the history and theology side) and practice (the political science side). Scholars on each side of this divide will benefit from this holistic engagement with Niebuhr and Christian Realism." --Kevin Carnahan, Central Methodist University "Holder and Josephson present a rigorous yet accessible accounting of Niebuhr's formidable corpus, and they rightly highlight the theological chord that runs through all of it. They then show how his thought can help us engage these ugly times. Their chapter on foreign policy is especially useful. Niebuhr would insist that we have no choice but to undertake the daunting work of restoring politics, sustaining democracy, and building justice. Holder and Josephson show how he offers us guidance--and some measure of hope--in that effort." --Christopher Beem, Penn State University "Holder and Josephson ably show how much Niebuhr's defense of democracy is needed in the era of Trump as well as why Niebuhrian principles, which embrace human imperfection, are so difficult to put into practice." --Richard Crouter, Professor Emeritus at Carleton College and author of Reinhold Niebuhr: On Politics, Religion, and Christian Faith