The 25th anniversary of the publication of my book on Reinhold Niebuhr approaches - December 1989 in the UK, March 1990 in the US. Even though I say it myself, this book is the best introduction to Niebuhrs thought on the market. By and large Ive kept up with the scholarship, and nothing published since then can be said to be an introduction. In my book I tackle all his major publications showing how his theology developed. At this distance the book still inspires me. Of course there are many faults, and at times I cringe when I read some of the sentences - but what author doesnt experience that? After publication it was a few years before I could even look at it. The book came about in this way. I gave a paper (Reinhold Niebuhr, Left Or Right?) at Hyning Hall near Carnforth, UK. I was washing up with Fergus Kerr OP. I dried,and Fergus washed. He gave me a few tips about washing dishes such as make sure you always rinse off the soap. We got chatting as you do when sharing washing up. He said he enjoyed my paper and he had a mate who was looking for an expert on Niebuhrs thought for a book in a series he was editing. Would I be interested? You bet I said in an American accent. His mate turned out to be Brian Davies OP. And the rest is history. One thing to note. At this time, just before the collapse of Soviet communism, some authors were having to scrap their work because events had taken over. Without boasting let me say that in my work I predicted the imminent collapse of communism. It followed from the analysis. It was therefore prophetic! Well I reckon the book has stood the test of time. It didnt lead to an academic career as I had hoped. They wouldnt let me join the club. Too bolshy I suppose.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 07:14:27 +0000
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