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Moral Man and Immoral Society: The Public Theology of Reinhold Neibuhr

Answer Key
Segment 3: Niebuhr on American Society

Listening Comprehension/Critical Thinking Questions


Read the following questions, then listen to the third segment of "Moral Man and Immoral Society" to find the answers.
AudioSegment 3: Niebuhr on American Society
  1. Why does Niebuhr consider the American historical view of "special providence" to be negative?

    Special providence led early settlers to beleive that every windfall or downfall was strictly related to their moral behavior.

  2. Find current examples of American culture that still point to the view that Americans see themselves as having "special providence." Find examples in American history of this viewpoint at work.

    Answers will vary.

  3. Niebuhr is quoted, "Individuals may strive to be moral, but collectively human beings are compromised and prone to immorality, even evil." Analyze this view. Do you agree with his statement? What connections do you see with the material that we have studied in this course?

    Answers will vary.

  4. Niebuhr wrote: "The vigorous pursuit of the highest values by people who are intelligent enough to know that their values are qualified by their interests and corrupted by their prejudices." Reflect on this statement.

    Answers will vary.


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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.
DocumentSegment 1: Introduction to Niebuhr
DocumentListen
(7:02)
DocumentSegment 2: Conversation with Mr. Richard Wightman Fox
DocumentListen
(12:38)
DocumentSegment 4: Niebuhr on War
DocumentListen
(6:25)
DocumentSegment 5: Niebuhr and Engagement in the World
DocumentListen
(3:51)
DocumentSegment 6: Inspiration for Reconciliation and the Need for Tension
DocumentListen
(7:20)
Student exercises
ExerciseListening Comprehension
ExerciseCritical Thinking

Featured Resources
The student exercises provided this month are based on the Speaking of Faith feature: Moral Man and Immoral Society: The Public Theology of Reinhold Neibuhr.

Document"Moral Man and Immoral Society: The Public Theology of Reinhold Niebuhr"

DocumentSegment 1: Introduction to Niebuhr

DocumentSegment 2: Conversation with Mr. Richard Wightman Fox

DocumentSegment 3: Niebuhr on American Society

DocumentSegment 4: Niebuhr on War

DocumentSegment 5: Niebuhr and Engagement in the World

DocumentSegment 6: Inspiration for Reconciliation and the Need for Tension

DocumentMoral Man and Immoral Society: The Public Theology of Reinhold Niebuhr (Full Documentary)



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