Carter’s professed respect was towards what Niebuhr perceived as a theological duty in the realm of politics, to try to do justice in a sinful world —maybe, as it would turn out, more than a peanut farmer could handle, although Carter would maintain a dedication to this duty beyond his political presidency. But Niebuhr is also known, and perhaps better known, as the author of a bit of wisdom that may seem to fit less into politics, or rather shows the higher nobility of theology over our more human policies: it is the wisdom of a prayer, one that prays for wisdom itself, as well as courage, each in their proper place. First, though, the prayer is for serenity: “God grant me the serenity to accept...” More grant than a twelve year old can possibly be expected to grasp. And yet, on the riverbanks of youth, without any knowledge of Niebuhr’s wisdom, the thoughts, the prayers were forming.
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