Segment 6: Inspiration for Reconciliation and the Need for Tension

Listening Comprehension/Critical Thinking Questions

Read the following questions, then listen to the sixth segment of "Moral Man and Immoral Society" to find the answers.
Segment 6: Inspiration for Reconciliation and the Need for Tension

1. Listen to Mr. Charles Villa-Vicencio's statement about how Niebuhr influenced his work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. How did he find Niebuhr's thoughts useful in the South African context?
   
   Taking the concept that it is easier to be a moral individual than a moral society, Milla-Vicencio wanted to create a space where people, as moral individuals, could understand what the South African society was doing, and create a larger discussion based on individuals, thereby letting the morality flow through that space.
   
   
2. What do you think Niebuhr means by, "Justice will require that some people contend against us?"
   
   Answers will vary.
   
   
3. According to Mr. Lovin, how does Niebuhr open us up to being more hopeful and less anxious about the conflicted times in which we live?
   
   Answers will vary.
   
   

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Research Challenges

1. What impact can one scholar have on the times in which they live? Examine the interactive timeline found on the Speaking of Faith web site. Articulate three major ways that Niebuhr affected the times in which he lived. Use the specific detail found on the timeline to support these larger ideas. This can be presented in an oral presentation, a discussion or in a writing exercise.
   
   
2. Select one concept from the list of key terms below. Before you research the term, define it in your own words—take your best guess! Next, research this term/concept and summarize its basic meaning. Listen to the Niebuhr program and investigate how this term/concept can be found in his philosophy. Finally, what role did this concept/term play in American History—can you find examples?
   
   

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Key Terms and Topics

Terms

• Christian Realism - A theory based on the "realistic" premise that humans are flawed. Humans will be flawed and will act inappropriately. Humans, then, need God to guide them.
  
  
• Secular Community - A group based on a worldly rather than spiritual tradition; nonreligious.
  
  
• Liberalism - A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority.
  
  
• Social Justice - A general concept which refers to the overall fairness of a society in the distribution of its rewards and burdens.
  
  
• Irony - The use of words to express something different from and often opposite to their literal meaning.
  
  
• Paradox - A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true.
  
  
• Christian Paradox - The seemingly contradictory statement that God is both divine and human.
  
  
• Theology - The study of the nature of God and more generally, the study of religion.
  
  
• Moral Relativism - A theory that concepts of right and wrong are not absolute or universal but instead they are based on specific traditions or customs.
  
  
• Hubris - Overbearing pride.
  
  

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