Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith.

— Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971), Theologe

Source: The Irony of American History (1952), S. 63

Topics: Hope & Confidence, Faith & Trust, Meaning & Identity

Occasions: Encouragement, For Reflection

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)

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God helps at the latest, just in time.

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God always finishes what He starts.

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That the birds of worry and grief fly over your head, you cannot change. But that they build nests in your hair — that you can prevent.

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When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become.

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