Reinhold Niebuhr: A Biography

by Richard Wightman Fox

First published in 1985, this widely praised biography of Reinhold Niebuhr, perhaps the most important American theologian of the twentieth century, is once again in print. "By drawing for the first time on the vast correspondence between Niebuhr and his secular colleagues, Mr. Fox demonstrates that no American theologian ever had such an impact on unbelievers. And no one has since. . . . [Fox] paints a lively picture of the beloved teacher [and] frenetic political organizer . . . Niebuhr seems to have been."--Harvey Cox, The New York Times "Based on meticulous research which includes numerous interviews and a declassified FBI file, the book is written with a verve, grace, and depth of understanding worthy of its subject. Fox is remarkably successful in fusing criticism with sympathetic appreciation and in relating Niebuhr's evolving thought to his public career and private self-scrutiny."--David Brion Davis, The New York Review of Books Fox's book is bound to establish itself as an indispensable contribution not just to our understanding of Niebuhr but to an understanding of the history of twentieth-century liberalism, which Niebuhr did so much to redefine."--Christopher Lasch, In These Times

Genres: Biography, Christianity, Religion, History

370 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 1985

About the author

Richard Wightman Fox is a professor of history at the University of Southern California and the author of Jesus in America and Trials of Intimacy, among other books. He lives in Venice, California.

Reviews

[Winn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give a fourth star. I wanted to like this book. I was engaged throughout. However, about halfway through I sensed something was missing for me - and it never let up throughout. I'm not sure if I am disappointed with the biographer (Fox) or simply disappointed in the man Fox had to work with (Reinhold Niebuhr). I probably need to read another biography of Reinhold to know for sure.

The book was technically near flawless, giving a full account of the various seasons of Niebuhr's political thought (and what a roller coaster that was). However, I heard next to nothing of his family, his kids, his friendships (beyond how they functioned in his career and political workings). For a man who spoke often of the idolatrous evils of modernistic reason, he seemed emotionally flat. He was high on function, but often low on relationship. He was constantly busy, his mind sprinting from one idea to another - and his travel schedule matched. Frantic. It made me tired just reading.

I do respect Niebuhr very much for his commitment to justice and for his prophetic voice. I'm also quite drawn to his constant sense of paradox, along with his "Christian (political) realism" (a term that has come into vogue with Obama's heavy Niebuhrian influence). However, his personal life holds no appeal for me whatsoever - and the man is the life, not just the ideas. Also, he was still too far beholden to modernism, in my opinion. As a result, theologically, he gave away the farm.

I'm thankful for Niebuhr. He offered us much, and we can learn much from his noble ideals. However, I think we ought look elsewhere for better examples for how to engage our world with grace and integrity and lasting impact. And, from a religious standpoint, I have the suspicion I'm more drawn to his brother Richard. I'll have to read more and find out.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Niebuhr was important to Christians who felt social and even political engagement was as important as theological correctness. Not at all like the "Tea Party" Christians of today, Niebuhr followed a liberal "social gospel" approach and supported it with great energy. The bio is probably a good way to get into his thought, which was a great influence on my Uncle, a history professor, who recently died at 93. On his death bed 2 days before he died, we were talking about Niebuhr.

[peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly the most comprehensive review of Niebuhr's life available. While out of print, it's easy enough to find. The family didn't ultimately approve of Fox's portrayal of Niebuhr, but the text is far more honest than libelous or scandalous. It is hard to tell the truth about a prophet. Whether that epithet applies to Niebuhr or not, it is the view of him that many objectors to this volume hold.

[Belle Meade School]

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