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Philosophy
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Apr 3, 2024
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Uploaded by bje6689
Two distinct values that I found Martin Luther King, Jr. was willing to die for was his Christian faith and freedom from oppression. His letter demonstrates a powerful composition in the Christian principles of faith, love, forgiveness, and brotherhood. The result definitively reveals his devotion to the Lord, and his hope to end unjust racial oppression in a manner of nonviolence.
Dr. King’s tactical behavior of non-violent protest is an approach that is centered on Christian beliefs. He explains the use of “non-violent direct action” as a catalyst to create tension. Although he further describes “tension” as a necessary vehicle that has arrived at the point of confrontation, he does so in an attitude based on the scripture of (Matthew 5:43-46) loving your enemy. His refusal to return violence for violence is a testament to Dr. King’s pursuit to confront discrimination through peaceful protests in the face of hostility. He also challenges the stance of the church. Expressing his frustration and lack of support from white Christian leadership. His
disappointment not only calls for all Christians to confront the moral injustice of segregation, but as well as their conscious.
Furthermore, traveling to the city of Birmingham to challenge unjust law embodies biblical teachings. This is evident in his relation to the Apostle Paul. As he writes, Apostle Paul “left his little village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to practically every hamlet and city of the Greco-Roman world, I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular hometown” (King, 1963). In conclusion, Martin Luther King Jr’s letter from the Birmingham jail is clearly evident of his value for faith and freedom. He resented racial segregation and the unjust treatment that resulted from it. However, he approached to confront oppression with non-violent ethics that is
commendable and worthy of all Christians to emulate. King, M. L., Jr. (1963). Letter from Birmingham Jail.
The Atlantic Monthly
,
212
(2), 78–88. Retrieved from http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/documents/letter_birmingham_jail.pdf
Reply 1:
Zachary, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on Dr. King’s Letter. I found a particular statement you wrote to stand out to me. You mentioned that you did not think that Dr. King was willing to die for the
struggle against racial oppression. Initially, I did find that to be a bold statement to make since he did tragically die for his work advancing the civil rights movement. However, after some thought, I do find some truth in your statement. This letter in itself is one of many examples to make that support.
Dr. King’s philosophy is best known to follow his Christian beliefs to resist against racial oppression with non-violent tactics. As you mentioned, the dangers were obvious and known to
stand up against segregation. However, he refused to return the violence that resulted from it. Dr. King wanted to live in the future he hoped and worked for. Tragically, he undeservingly died
advancing a movement inspired by Christian beliefs. Marco, I enjoyed reading your discussion post. I also made a similar assessment of Dr. King’s values in my discussion. I found it evident throughout his letter that he values the ideal of freedom. Although the moral ethics of the time imposed racial disparity on those freedoms, Dr. King still resisted responding with violence. However, as you touched on, he still was marked as an extremist following these nonviolent practices. He made this a point in his letter. He wanted to convey a message that his actions were rooted in love and brotherhood. Unfortunately, due to the status quo of society, it was difficult for his attempts to be seen otherwise. Dr. King was a man determined to stand for his value of freedom. In the end, his vision of freedom was met through hard sacrifices and tragically with his death. He indeed was a man that was inspired by the teachings of Christian principles. He will forever be a figure all Christians should continue to emulate.
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