| How Christians are to participate in the political contexts in which they live is a perennial question. It is an especially important issue today given the recent changes in American religious and cultural life. This investigation of H. Richard Niebuhr contributes a neglected theocentric alternative to the contemporary debate. His radical monotheism is at odds with political liberals, like John Rawls, who are convinced that democratic politics depends on a neutral moral/political consensus. Niebuhr's theology is also distinct from Christian communitarians, like Stanley Hauerwas, who think that Christianity and democracy are fundamentally at odds.; At the heart of Niebuhr's theocentric approach are the convictions that: (1) all moral points of view are religious in nature; (2) Christians must order every aspect of life in relation to God; and (3) discourse is triadic in nature, including the dialogue partners and the object of their conversation. On this basis, Niebuhr articulates a theologically grounded “robust liberalism” which promises everyone, Christian and otherwise, the possibility of full participation in the controversies over the meaning, purpose, and goal of our common life. Niebuhr is convinced that democratic politics is inherently conflictual because of the variety of “gods” that people serve. Therefore, he is committed to institutional measures that limit, separate, and balance power in order to protect minorities, limit conflict, and generate mutual accommodation. Niebuhr is also convinced, however, that constructive discourse in a pluralistic society is both possible and productive. Finally, Niebuhr thinks that the moral presuppositions of democratic politics are significantly aligned with radical monotheism and perhaps impossible apart from it.; Niebuhr describes a Christian community that is neither accommodationist nor sectarian. It is engaged with the larger culture from its own religious point of view, yet committed to a democratic political system which promotes the freedom and equality of all citizens, protects minorities from the tyranny of the majority, and promotes robust, moral discussion concerning the life shared in common. |
