The Irony of Barack Obama

Barack Obama, Reinhold Niebuhr and the Problem of Christian Statecraft

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, Leadership
Cover of the book The Irony of Barack Obama by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson ISBN: 9781317026976
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: March 9, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
ISBN: 9781317026976
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: March 9, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Drawing on the political theology of Reinhold Niebuhr, described by Barack Obama as 'one of my favourite philosophers', this book assesses the challenges facing the President during his first term. It evaluates his success in adhering to Niebuhr's path of 'Christian realism' when faced with the pragmatic demands of domestic and foreign affairs. In 2008 Candidate Obama used the ideas of 'Hope' and 'Change' to inspire voters and secure the presidency. Obama promised change not only regarding America's policies, but even more fundamentally in the nation's political culture. Holder and Josephson describe the foundations of President Obama's Christian faith and the extent to which it has shaped his approach to politics. Their book explores Obama's journey of faith in the context of a broadly Augustinian understanding of faith and politics, examines the tensions between Christian realism and pragmatic progressivism, explains why a Christian realist interpretation is essential to understanding Obama's presidency, and applies this model of understanding to considerations of foreign and domestic policy. By combining this theological and political analysis the book offers a special opportunity to reflect on the relationship between Christian faith and statesmanship, reflections that are missing from current popular discussions of the Obama presidency. Through consideration of Niebuhr's models of the prophet and the statesman, and the more popular alternative of the political evangelist, Holder and Josephson are better able to explain the president's successes and his failures, and to unveil the Augustinian limits of the political life.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Drawing on the political theology of Reinhold Niebuhr, described by Barack Obama as 'one of my favourite philosophers', this book assesses the challenges facing the President during his first term. It evaluates his success in adhering to Niebuhr's path of 'Christian realism' when faced with the pragmatic demands of domestic and foreign affairs. In 2008 Candidate Obama used the ideas of 'Hope' and 'Change' to inspire voters and secure the presidency. Obama promised change not only regarding America's policies, but even more fundamentally in the nation's political culture. Holder and Josephson describe the foundations of President Obama's Christian faith and the extent to which it has shaped his approach to politics. Their book explores Obama's journey of faith in the context of a broadly Augustinian understanding of faith and politics, examines the tensions between Christian realism and pragmatic progressivism, explains why a Christian realist interpretation is essential to understanding Obama's presidency, and applies this model of understanding to considerations of foreign and domestic policy. By combining this theological and political analysis the book offers a special opportunity to reflect on the relationship between Christian faith and statesmanship, reflections that are missing from current popular discussions of the Obama presidency. Through consideration of Niebuhr's models of the prophet and the statesman, and the more popular alternative of the political evangelist, Holder and Josephson are better able to explain the president's successes and his failures, and to unveil the Augustinian limits of the political life.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Men and Women Making Friends in Early Modern France by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book News and the Human Interest Story by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Ethno-Techno by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Chronicle of the Third Crusade by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Strengthen the Country and Enrich the People by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Advances in Evidence-Based Policing by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Fundamental Principles of the Sociology of Law by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Personal Identity and Applied Ethics by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book The EU's Government of Industries by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book The Distorted World of Soviet-Type Economies (Routledge Revivals) by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Wittgenstein's Philosophy of Mind (Routledge Revivals) by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Environmental Policy and Household Behaviour by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Religion in America by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Bystanders to the Holocaust by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
Cover of the book Gender, Peace and Security by R. Ward Holder, Peter B. Josephson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy