Reinhold Niebuhr, the prominent American theologian, was one of the few religious figures who had a significant impact on the broader society outside the theological community in the United States during the twentieth century. Niebuhr's influence was most pronounced among those associated with historical studies and politics. This book presents Niebuhr in dialogue with seven individuals who each had a major influence on American life: the theologian Paul Tillich, philosopher/educator John Dewey, socialist Norman Thomas, historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr, international political theorist Hans Morganthau, diplomat George Kennan and Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter. Through a detailed examination of Niebuhr's interactions with these figures, Daniel F. Rice's study offers a survey of mid-twentieth-century theology, political thought and culture.

‘This book is a keenly perceptive and richly informed account of Reinhold Niebuhr’s relationships with seven major intellectuals of his time, written with Daniel Rice’s customary lucidity.’

Gary Dorrien - Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University

‘Reinhold Niebuhr was a dialectical thinker, forming his ideas in response to provocations from his colleagues and critics. Daniel Rice gives us access to the people and ideas that were always on Niebuhr’s mind as he wrote. Reinhold Niebuhr and His Circle of Influence is an important new look at a lively intellectual world that shaped policy and society during critical years of the twentieth century.’

Robin W. Lovin - Southern Methodist University

‘Daniel Rice’s book reminds us of Reinhold Niebuhr’s vital place at the center of twentieth-century American intellectual and political life. The fascinating reconstructions of Niebuhr’s exchanges with key figures like Norman Thomas, John Dewey, and Felix Frankfurter allow readers to experience the evolution of Niebuhr’s characteristically realistic, yet consistently humane, theological perspective on pressing moral and political issues. This book will not only be of great interest to students of Niebuhr’s thought but will also help to re-establish his importance in broader American intellectual history - at a time when his wisdom and insight remains as essential as ever.’

Michael Joseph Smith - Sorensen Professor of Political and Social Thought, University of Virginia