The Tragedy Of Hope – The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan.

A well written article.  I was not at all familiar with Niebuhr before this, however, I’ll definitely be checking out some books by Niebuhr. Check out a quote …

Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; there we must be saved by hope.

Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; there we must be saved by faith.

Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love.

No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is from our own standpoint. Therefore we must be saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.

I find that intriguing.  I definitely agree with Andrew Sullivan when he describes Obama’s Nobel Acceptance speech by saying “It was written and spoken in such a way to reach anyone of any faith or none.”  I appreciate the sincere, universal effort of our President.  And Sullivan’s avid, vehement support of someone on “the other team”.

I suppose you could see this quote, and this perspective, as flirting with cynicism and find a less than favorable way to respond to it.  But I think the raw honesty of it changes things.  It’s no longer “glass half full” versus “glass half empty” … this perspective seems to say “we have the wrong size glass.  but we will get the right one.”  This raw honesty builds calluses on my optimism, and the hopeful and vigilant charge forward, encourages me away from pessimism.  What sound leaders we have in Barack Obama (and Reinhold Niebuhr) – honest and inspirational.  Strong enough for realism, yet vulnerable enough to speak frankly of the need for hope, faith, love and forgiveness in order to thrive in the world.  Much thanks.