Reinhold Niebuhr

Reinhold Niebuhr was a 20th-century American theologian and ethicist known for his influential ideas on moral philosophy and social justice. He argued that humans are inherently flawed and often act out of self-interest, which complicates ethical decision-making. Niebuhr emphasized the importance of humility in moral judgment and the need for love and justice in society. His concept of "Christian realism" suggested that while striving for ideal ethics, one must also recognize the complexities and imperfections of human nature, advocating for a pragmatic approach to ethics grounded in faith and social responsibility.