Tragedy, Tradition, Transformism

D. Stephen Longs original critical interpretation of Paul Ramseys work traces the development of Ramseys ethical thought, including the just war doctrine, Reinhold Niebuhrs realism, H. Richard Niebuhrs historical relativism, Karl Barths neo-orthodoxy, and Jacques Maritains integralism. Situating Ramseys controversial stand alongside the dominant pragmatist approach to twentieth-century Christian ethics, Dr. Long lends insight to the the philosophical, theological, and moral issues we face in the twentieth century. Scholars of religious ethics and intellectual thought will find this essential reading. In this original interpretation and critique of Paul Ramseys ethical thought, D. Stephen Long traces the development of one of the mid-twentieth centurys most important and controversial religious social thinkers. Long examines Ramseys early liberal idealism as well as later influences on his work, including the just war doctrine, Reinhold Niebuhrs realism, H. Richard Niebuhrs historical relativism, Karl Barths neo-orthodoxy, and Jacques Maritains integralism.
Long overcomes obstacles confronting any Ramsey scholarsuch as a theology that cannot be systematized and the complexities of Ramseys own writingand lends sharp insight to the philosophical, theological, and moral issues we face in the twentieth century. Scholars of religious ethics and intellectual thought will find this work essential reading.