MLK Day
Somehow tonight I found myself reading Martin Luther king Jr's "Letter From Birmingham Jail." I'm ashamed to say that up until tonight I had not read any of Dr. King's works. The civil and learned spirit of the letter speak volumes for the depth of character that this man had. Although I'm not sure of the complete orthodoxy of his view of Christ (there's a passing reference to Christ's "elevated God-consciousness" and several references to neo-orthodox doctrines), anyone interested in the relationship between Christianity and culture should read this letter.
posted by Ross at 11:42 PM
4 Comments:
Ross,
I just finished reading it. I must say that I was struck with the brilliance and profundity of King's thought. He deifinately had his fingers on the pulse of our culture, and many of things he said have come to pass, especially with regard to the church.
One thing in particular that I had failed to think about is the effect of what he called the "white moderates." This era in America history is so often defined by those who did something, whether good or bad. But, it appears to be the case that those who had the greatest impact on the times were those who did nothing. I was reminded of the quote: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing." I share with King the sentiment that it is necessary, at times like those, for believers to do something. I was especially convicted as King wrote about the nature of the early church. The fact is that the church in that day shaped culture. In our day, it seems that the exact opposite is true, which is frustrating. How do we get back to being the body of Christ and changing our culture and conforming it to his message of love? I think I know the answer, but then I look at our churches (even the good ones) and seems that something is missing.
I find it interesting that the arguments King uses for a just and unjust law by Aquinas would probably be laughed at today in brought into some of academia...since there is no truth of course.
Charlie,
I was also surprised by the clear Natural Law basis of King's thinking, drawing on Aquinas and Augustine.
I wonder how many who draw on King's legacy, especially from the liberal side of things, would agree with what the man actually said.
Michael,
You're right, there is something radically wrong with the state of the church's influence on the contemporary culture.
By the way,
I'm looking forward to seeing you guys next weekend.
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