' Man's capacity for justice makes democracy possible; but man's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.'
Such insights have made Reinhold Niebuhr a powerful influence over many American and British politicians. He worked as a minister in Detroit during the depression of the 20s and brought moral and religious insights to bear upon political issues in a way acceptable to politicians.
Vernon Sproxton explores his life and thought through many of the men and women influenced by him, including THE RT HON TONY WEDGWOOD BENN , MP, THE RT HON DENIS HEALEY , MP, RONALD PRESTON , RICHARD HARRIES , DANIEL JENKINS , SIR ISAIAH BERLIN, SIR JOHN BARNES and URSULA NIEBUHR with the recorded voice of Reinhold Niebuhr, and extracts from his writings read by Robert Beatty. Producer PETER FIRTH BBC Bristol