Niebuhr Vs Augustine

3 Pages 673 Words

Reading the selection by Reinhold Niebuhr on his thoughts of Augustine’s theories was an interesting comparison to the other works we have recently read. His views were similar to some, but almost opposite of others. Although Niebuhr and John Howard Yoder are not necessarily representative of opposing "schools" in Christian social ethics, they do emphasize opposing themes that have been hot topics in the Christian world in the past century. Niebuhr states that he does not believe that pacifism would actually work in society. He separates idealism away from his main point of view- what we know as Christian Realism.
One of the greatest things Niebuhr accomplished was bringing Augustinian thought back into public eye. Augustine’s ideas had fallen out of fashion among modern Christians. Niebuhr modernized his ideas and brought them back into current discussion. Niebuhr’s Christian Realism is based on Augustine’s understanding of human nature. Recognizing that humans have the innate will to survive, he knows that we will do whatever it takes to prolong our lives. This is the root of selfish desire, or original sin, as Augustine preached. We try to achieve self worth by getting more power, prestige, pleasure, or wealth. Sometimes we do it in a constructive way, other times in a harmful way. Niebuhr explains that once we start seeking out these things, rivalry between people begins. We would rather fight than compromise if there were a logical chance of gaining something. But Niebuhr says that fighting is irrational. Humans need each other in order to survive. He preaches that we need to work together for the benefit of all, but occasional uprisings are unavoidable. Because of this, Niebuhr reasons (in an Augustinian way) that a social hierarchy is needed. Both theologians recognize the need for order.
Yoder and Niebuhr differ greatly in their opinions on religion. Yoder is a definite pacifist, whereas Niebuhr s...