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Nature and Destiny of Man by Reinhold Niebuhr
Contributed by: Knott
  • 1. In 'Nature and Destiny of Man,' theologian and philosopher Reinhold Niebuhr explores the complex interplay between human nature, morality, and the overarching forces of destiny that shape human existence. This seminal work, published in two volumes in the 1940s, delves into Niebuhr's Christian realism, advocating for a nuanced understanding of humanity's moral capabilities and limitations. He argues that while humans possess an inherent capacity for sin and selfishness, they also have the potential for moral responsibility and altruism. Niebuhr meticulously examines the tension between individual freedom and social responsibility, positing that human beings are shaped by both their circumstances and their intrinsic desires. He discusses the implications of this duality for society, politics, and religion, asserting that although human beings strive for justice and peace, they are often confronted with the harsh realities of conflict, competition, and the struggle for power. Niebuhr's insights emphasize the necessity of humility and a realistic perspective in both personal and collective endeavors. Ultimately, 'Nature and Destiny of Man' serves as a profound reflection on the human condition, urging readers to embrace an honest acknowledgment of human frailty while fostering hope in the pursuit of moral progress.

    What is the primary theological concept Reinhold Niebuhr explores in 'The Nature and Destiny of Man'?
A) The doctrine of the Trinity
B) Sin and human nature
C) The sacraments
D) Biblical inerrancy
  • 2. According to Niebuhr, what is the fundamental human predicament?
A) Genetic predisposition to evil
B) Economic inequality
C) A lack of education
D) Anxiety arising from finitude and freedom
  • 3. What term does Niebuhr use to describe the primary form of human sin?
A) Lust
B) Avarice
C) Pride
D) Sloth
  • 4. How does Niebuhr characterize human nature?
A) As a blank slate shaped entirely by experience
B) As inherently good but corrupted by society
C) As fundamentally evil and depraved
D) As a tension between finitude and freedom
  • 5. According to Niebuhr, what is the ultimate destiny of man?
A) To be fulfilled in the love of God, beyond history
B) To be reincarnated until achieving perfection
C) To achieve a perfect utopian society on earth
D) To merge into an impersonal cosmic consciousness
  • 6. What does Niebuhr mean by 'man as creature'?
A) The idea that humans are God's pets
B) Humanity's evolutionary origin from animals
C) Humanity's finite, limited, and dependent nature
D) The material composition of the human body
  • 7. What does Niebuhr mean by 'man as image of God'?
A) The soul's pre-existence with God
B) That humans physically resemble God
C) Humanity's inherent righteousness
D) Humanity's capacity for self-transcendence and freedom
  • 8. What is the 'law of love' for Niebuhr?
A) The ultimate ethical norm, impossible to fulfill perfectly in history
B) A set of rules for building a harmonious society
C) A political strategy for non-violent resistance
D) A natural law observable in the animal kingdom
  • 9. What is the role of Christ, according to Niebuhr's theology in this work?
A) To found a new world religion
B) To prove that humans can achieve sinless perfection
C) To reveal God's love and judgment and to redeem humanity from sin
D) To provide a perfect example of a political leader
  • 10. Niebuhr argues that the Cross of Christ demonstrates what?
A) The ultimate failure of Jesus's mission
B) God's forgiveness of sin and the seriousness of sin
C) The need for violent revolution
D) The superiority of pacifism in all situations
  • 11. What is the ultimate source of hope in Niebuhr's theology?
A) The certainty of historical progress
B) Human technological progress
C) The essential goodness of humanity
D) The forgiveness and grace of God
  • 12. What is the main purpose of Niebuhr's work, 'The Nature and Destiny of Man'?
A) To provide a Christian interpretation of human existence in the modern world
B) To create a new system of biblical laws
C) To argue for the superiority of Protestantism over Catholicism
D) To prove the existence of God through logic alone
  • 13. How does Niebuhr characterize 'original sin'?
A) An inevitable reality, not a historical event
B) A literal event in the Garden of Eden
C) A myth with no theological significance
D) A biological inheritance
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