Reinhold Niebuhr, the most significant North American theo- logian since the 18th century, has decisively influenced the shape of Christian thought and action in the United States for much of the 20th century. Niebuhr addressed social and polit- ical issues from the perspective of 'Christian Realism. This was his blend of liberalism, shrewd social analysis, and elements within the Augustinian tradition. His legacy continues to be influential through his writings and the work of many of his distinguished students.

Larry Rasmussen's introductory essay and notes on the selected texts set Niebuhr in his historical context, chart the development of his thought and indicate the significance of his theology in the development of Christian theology as a whole.

Substantial selections from Niebuhr's work illustrate key

themes:

The disorders of a technical civilization

• Morality and power

Preachers and prophets

Augustine and Christian realism • Grace and sin

• Justice and love Nature and destiny

•Theological ideas, political and social theory • Coherence, incoherence and Christian faith

• The king's chapel and king's court

•Faith for a hazardous future

• The theological virtues

Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of S Ethics, Union Seminary, New York, is the coauthor of A and Ethics in the Christian Life (Augsburg) and the au with Renate Bethge of Dietrich Bonhoeffer-His Significe for North Americans (Fortress) in addition to other work Christian ethics, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer.