On Niebuhr: A Theological Study

by Langdon Gilkey

Langdon Gilkey's insightful, engaging book offers a detailed—and not uncritical—examination of one of the most influential American theologians of the twentieth century.

Genres: Theology

276 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and engaging exposition of Niebuhr's theology from a former student (and accomplished theologian in his own right). Gilkey argues that Niebuhr is a more coherent and compelling theologian than he's often given credit for (as opposed to being a social critic who festooned a largely secular ethical system with pious language). The final chapter helpfully delves into some of Niebuhr's presuppositions and shows that he remained very much a modernist, despite his strident criticisms of the liberal Protestantism of his day.