God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

— Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971), Theologe

Topics: Peace & Rest, Wisdom & Understanding, Prayer & Silence

Occasions: For Reflection, New Year & New Beginnings

Reinhold Niebuhr

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971) war ein US-amerikanischer evangelischer Theologe und Sozialethiker, der nach Jahren als Gemeindepfarrer in Detroit jahrzehntelang am Union Theological Seminary in New York lehrte. Er begründete den Christlichen Realismus, verfasste das Gelassenheitsgebet und stieß mit seiner Absage an den Pazifismus sowie der theologischen Rechtfertigung politischer Machtausübung auf anhaltende Kritik. Für heutige Bibelleser bietet sein Werk Anstöße zur Reflexion über menschliche Fehlbarkeit, gesellschaftliche Schuldverstrickung und die nüchterne Anwendung biblischer Ethik in der Welt.

All quotes by Reinhold Niebuhr (15)

More on this topic

You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

Augustine of Hippo

You have enough time to do everything God wants you to do.

Craig Groeschel

And when this cup of silence now spreads deep around us, let us hear that full sound of the world, which invisibly widens around us, the exalted song of praise of all Your children.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

O Lord, make me an instrument of your peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness, joy.

Francis of Assisi

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things pass away. God never changes. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.

Teresa of Ávila

Darkness cannot be overcome with more darkness, only with light. Violence cannot be overcome with more violence, only with peace.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Security in the ultimate gives serenity in the penultimate.

Romano Guardini

You have touched my eyelids. I sleep without worry. He who led me into this night will guide me also tomorrow.

Jochen Klepper

All quotes · lumen.bible