Reinhold Niebuhr and Non-Resistance

This paper offers a critique of Reinhold Niebuhr\u27s views on non-resistance. In considering what the Christian response should be to receiving an injustice, Niebuhr constructs a paradox between the Christian ethical ideal (i.e., pacifism) and pragmatic considerations (i.e., the use of force). The limits of Niebuhr\u27s paradox will be considered, and a more practical ideal will be offered, one that suggests a more tenable yet faithful Christian ethic of response to injustice or injury