A Father's Mantle: The Legacy of Gustav Niebuhr, by William G. Chrystal, Foreword by Richard R. Niebuhr.
Originally published in 1982, A Father's Mantle is the story of Gustav Niebuhr, father of Reinhold, H. Richard, and Hulda Niebuhr. He was a pastor of the German Evangelical Synod of North America (now a part of the United Church of Christ). Thoroughly "German" in his outlook (Niebuhr was born in Germany), he nonetheless adapted to his American homeland. And, by the time of his death in 1913 at the age of 50, Niebuhr was not only writing in English, but he was also embracing a "Social Gospel" perspective. A Father's Mantle is essential for all those who intend to do serious research on the Niebuhr family.
"... Chrystal provides us with more than we ever knew about Gustav Niebuhr. Future studies of Reinhold and H. Richard Niebuhr will have to stress the great continuity between father and sons—not only in theology, but also in practical work." —Christianity and Crisis
"Chrystal is able to make a strong case for the continuation of Niebuhr's thoughts and commitments in the work of his sons. The book provides a nice backdrop for the study of the next Niebuhr generation as well as an introduction to American ecumenism with an ethnic flavor." —Religious Studies Review
"Engagingly written, the book also exposes an important context for interpreting Niebuhrian theology. Like his sons, Gustav sought the middle ground among Protestants. While sharing liberalism's criticisms of orthodoxy, he steadfastly refused to abandon the biblical moorings of his faith." —Church History
Originally published in 1982, A Father's Mantle is the story of Gustav Niebuhr, father of Reinhold, H. Richard, and Hulda Niebuhr. He was a pastor of the German Evangelical Synod of North America (now a part of the United Church of Christ). Thoroughly "German" in his outlook (Niebuhr was born in Germany), he nonetheless adapted to his American homeland. And, by the time of his death in 1913 at the age of 50, Niebuhr was not only writing in English, but he was also embracing a "Social Gospel" perspective. A Father's Mantle is essential for all those who intend to do serious research on the Niebuhr family.
"... Chrystal provides us with more than we ever knew about Gustav Niebuhr. Future studies of Reinhold and H. Richard Niebuhr will have to stress the great continuity between father and sons—not only in theology, but also in practical work." —Christianity and Crisis
"Chrystal is able to make a strong case for the continuation of Niebuhr's thoughts and commitments in the work of his sons. The book provides a nice backdrop for the study of the next Niebuhr generation as well as an introduction to American ecumenism with an ethnic flavor." —Religious Studies Review
"Engagingly written, the book also exposes an important context for interpreting Niebuhrian theology. Like his sons, Gustav sought the middle ground among Protestants. While sharing liberalism's criticisms of orthodoxy, he steadfastly refused to abandon the biblical moorings of his faith." —Church History
