The Responsible Self: An Essay in Christian Moral Philosophy (Library of Theological Ethics) [Paperback]

H. Richard Niebuhr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999 | Series: Library of Theological Ethics

The Responsible Self was H. Richard Niebuhr's most important work in Christian ethics. In it he probes the most fundamental character of the moral life and it stands today as a landmark contribution to the field.

The Library of Theological Ethics series focuses on what it means to think theologically and ethically. It presents a selection of important and otherwise unavailable texts in easily accessible form. Volumes in this series will enable sustained dialogue with predecessors though reflection on classic works in the field.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

H. Richard Niebuhr (1894-1962) was a prominent twentieth-century American theologian. He was Sterling Professor of Theology and Christian Ethics at Yale University Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut. He is known for his books The Responsible Self and Radical Monotheism and Western Culture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664221521
• ISBN-13: 978-0664221522
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #458,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the importance of responsibility, January 27, 2000

By 

Karen Lebacqz (Mendocino, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Responsible Self: An Essay in Christian Moral Philosophy (Library of Theological Ethics) (Paperback)

H. Richard Niebuhr's The Responsible Self is a classic in Christian ethics. Niebuhr argues that humans are neither simply 'goal seeking' creatures nor simply 'rule-following' creatures, but are 'responsive' and hence, responsible. We are 'answerers' who must first ask "What is going on here?" and then respond to that assessment with a 'fitting' answer. The importance of this short and readable work should not be underestimated. Niebuhr's approach spawned an interest in perspective and vision in ethics that is carried on by contemporary thinkers such as James Gustafson and Stanley Hauerwas.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Important work by an important American theologian, August 4, 2007

By 

J. Golden - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

One of the 20th century's great theologians, Dr. Niebuhr probes deep to find the roots and fundamental character of man's moral life. He finds the key in the concept of responsibility, which implies not only the freedom and flexibility of "responsiveness" to others but also a guiding ideal of unlimited concern that goes beyond vague norms and narrow codes. Reaching out beyond sterile formalisms and harsh legalisms, he discusses brilliantly: 1) the meaning of responsibility, 2) responsibility in society, 3) the responsible self in time and history, 4) responsibility in absolute dependence, 5) responsibility in sin and salvation. Based on lectures at Glasgow University, this is the most central and enduring of all Niebuhr's books, revealing the untiring integrity and dedication to truth which were typical of all his life and work.

4.0 out of 5 stars LTE, October 11, 2011

By 

Isaac Schoepp - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Responsible Self: An Essay in Christian Moral Philosophy (Library of Theological Ethics) (Paperback)

Niebuhr's examination of "The Responsible Self" offers a new way to look at ethics. He does not propose that we ignore the historical ways of viewing ethics (ie. virtue) but he shows where they fail to explore all of the relationships involved. Niebuhr uses the term "responsibility" in a creative and inventive way. I wasn't convinced, but I was certainly challenged