Segment 1: Introduction to Niebuhr

Listening Comprehension Questions

Read the following questions, then listen to the first segment of "Moral Man and Immoral Society" to find the answers.
Segment 1: Introduction to Niebuhr

1. For one observer, what did Niebuhr define for Americans?
   
   
2. Where was Niebuhr a pastor in his early career? What issues was he exposed to in this environment?
   
   
3. Where did Niebuhr spend most of his career teaching?
   
   
4. What term did Niebuhr innovate to describe a middle way between idealism and arrogance?
   
   
5. What Niebuhr prayer did Alcoholics Anonymous adapt?
   
   
6. List the titles of three books written by Niebuhr.
   
   

Answer key

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Critical Thinking Questions

These activities are based on "Moral Man and Immoral Society, segment 1: Introduction to Niebuhr"
Segment 1: Introduction to Niebuhr

Answer the following questions:

1. Concept: Christian Realism
   An excerpt of the Serenity Prayer is included in this segment of the radio program. Listen to the excerpt of the prayer. Why would Alcoholics Anonymous adapt this particular prayer? What does it offer for people who recite it daily? What can we learn about Niebuhr's beliefs from this excerpt?
   
   
2. Concept: Lives of tension
   Niebuhr's book, The Nature and Destiny of Man, is quoted in this segment of the radio program, ("Man has always been his own, most vexing problem... Human beings live in the tension between nature and spirit, between knowledge of our mortality and our intimations of transcendent meaning. Our highest hope and calling is to live responsibly in this tension.") What lesson is Niebuhr communicating? What tension is being described in this passage? What examples can you find in our curriculum of "humans becoming their own, vexing problem?"
   
   
3. Concept: Niebuhr's style
   Listen
   Listen to Niebuhr's speaking/preaching style. Why would it be effective? What does he do well? How would you respond to this type of lecturer?
   
   

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Click on these links to find further instructional ideas and study guides for the material on the Speaking of Faith Web site.

Segment 2: Conversation with Mr. Richard Wightman Fox Listen (12:38)

Segment 3: Niebuhr on American Society Listen (2:15)

Segment 4: Niebuhr on War Listen (6:25)

Segment 5: Niebuhr and Engagement in the World Listen (3:51)

Segment 6: Inspiration for Reconciliation and the Need for Tension Listen (7:20)