Segment 5: Niebuhr and Engagement in the World

Listening Comprehension/Critical Thinking Questions

Read the following questions, then listen to the fifth segment of "Moral Man and Immoral Society" to find the answers.
Segment 5: Niebuhr and Engagement in the World

1. Niebuhr wrote: "Religion is more frequently a source of confusion than of light in the political realm. The tendency to equate our political with our Christian convictions causes politics to generate idolatry"
   
   
    • What do you think Niebuhr means by this?
   
   
   
    • What main points does Ms. Elshtain make in responding to this statement?
   
   

   Niebuhr wrote: "Politics is not an ultimate value, it is a relative value. That we should not assume that politics is the ultimate authority. We can never achieve such a standard."
   
   

    • What did he mean by that?
   
   

    • How does this idea help you think about contemporary political life in America?
   
   

Answer key

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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 1: Introduction to Niebuhr Listen (7:02)

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