Kevin Carnahan: Moral Clarity & the Uneasy Conscience
Feb 4, 2024
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Dr. Kevin Carnahan, a scholar of Christian Realism and former president of The Niebuhr Society, dives deep into the philosophical interplay of faith and politics. He discusses the relevance of Reinhold Niebuhr’s teachings in today's turbulent political climate, emphasizing the importance of balancing hopeful aspirations with human limitations. The conversation critiques idealistic solutions, explores moral complexities, and advocates for pragmatic approaches in addressing societal issues. Carnahan’s insights encourage a critical reassessment of identity and ethical responsibility.
Christian realism merges faith and ethics, urging believers to confront present imperfections while maintaining hope for the coming kingdom.
The podcast discusses how the historical perspective from Augustine to Niebuhr informs Christian ethics, acknowledging the persistent challenges of sin and moral limitations.
Niebuhr's ideas highlight the distinction between individual morality and societal collective responsibility, advocating for a commitment to community justice over personal virtue.
Deep dives
Understanding Christian Realism
Christian realism is a framework that examines the intersection of faith and ethics, rooted in the historical tradition from Augustine to Reinhold Niebuhr. It balances an optimistic eschatology with a realistic view of the world's limitations, acknowledging that while Christians are called to hope in the coming kingdom, they must also grapple with present imperfections. This duality is embodied in the 'already-but-not-yet' concept, found in Pauline teachings, that encourages believers to aspire for a better world while recognizing its inherent flaws. Ultimately, Christian realism advocates for a proactive yet discerning approach to moral action, urging individuals not to lose sight of the kingdom while engaging with societal realities.
The Role of Historical Context
The discussion highlights how historical contexts, such as the early Christian perspective during the Roman Empire, evolved to shape Christian ethics. Augustine's response to the confusion between earthly kingdoms and God’s kingdom is particularly significant; he warned against conflating the two and illustrated that despite efforts to create a Christian society, the realities of sin and imperfection persist. This historical realism illustrates that while civilizations may rise and fall, the Kingdom of God transcends political entities. By making these distinctions, Christian realism encourages the faithful to work for justice and goodness without equating their efforts with divine fulfillment.
Human Nature and Moral Imagination
Christian realism offers a nuanced view of human nature, emphasizing the tension between human aspirations and moral limitations. Embracing the idea that human beings are caught between infinite possibilities and finite realities, this perspective recognizes that people cannot completely overcome their flaws or elevate themselves to divine standards. Reinhold Niebuhr's emphasis on the need for grace, acknowledging that our moral imaginations often outrun our actions, is central to understanding this dynamic. This unequal relationship between imagination and agency fosters humility, encouraging the faithful to pursue good while accepting their fallibility.
Ethics in Collective and Individual Contexts
Niebuhr’s distinction between the morality of the individual and the collective responsibility of society is crucial for understanding ethical action. He argues that while individuals may strive for altruism within personal relationships, society often exhibits broader moral failings that demand critical reflection. This social moral egoism can lead to justifications of actions that may benefit a select group at the expense of others, frequently obscuring the communal accountability that comes with moral decision-making. Christian realism calls for awareness of these dynamics, stressing that ethical behavior must extend beyond personal virtue to encompass a commitment to collective justice.
Political Realism and the Role of Institutions
The conversation reflects on the changing political landscape and the role of governmental institutions in promoting social good, noting a historical shift from the New Deal era to contemporary society. The policies under FDR demonstrated a recognition of the necessity for equitable economic structures that serve the common good, contrasting sharply with the modern trend towards individualism and corporate-centered policies. In the current context, the challenge is to advocate for policies that address systemic inequalities while recognizing the limitations of these institutions. Christian realism acknowledges that while institutions can facilitate justice, true moral progress requires ongoing engagement and critique, ensuring that the collective good is prioritized above partisan agendas.
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.
