Over the last few years, I have returned more often than I could have imagined to the work of Reinhold Niebuhr and his vision of Christian Realism. Between the rise of Trump, growing disappointment in Biden, and inaction on the most pressing issues… to name a few… my inherent optimism in the democratic experiment has waned.  So, I decided to have Dr. Kevin Carnahan on the podcast to unpack Christian Realism and how this particular theological lens could help me wrestle with my growing disease.

Kevin Carnahan is Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO. He recently stepped down after five years of service as co-editor of the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, is the former president of The Niebuhr Society, and author of multiple books and articles on religion, ethics, and politics. He lives in Columbia, MO with his wife and two daughters.

For more fast, nerdy fun hot takes from Kevin, check out his TikTok:)

Kevin’s recommendations for those wanting to get into Niebuhr are Langdon Gilkey’s On Niebuhr and Reinhold Niebuhr and Christian Realism by Robin Lovin.

You can also check out these two previous episodes with Scott Paeth on Niebuhr: On Reinhold & Richard Niebuhr and Why Go Niebuhr?