From the beginning a basic philosophy guided the movement. The guiding principle has since been referred to variously as non-violent resistance, noncooperation and passive resistance. But in the first days of the protest none of these expressions was mentioned; the phrase most often heard was "Christian Love." It was the Sermon on the Mount, rather than a doctrine of passive resistance, that initially inspired the Negroes of Montgomery to dignified social action. It was Jesus of Nazareth that stirred the Negroes to protest with the creative weapon of love. STRIDE TOWARD FREEDOM
The Gospel at its best deals with the whole man (person), not only with his soul but also his body, not only his spiritual well-being but also his material well-being. A religion that professes a concern for the souls of men and is not equally concerned about the slums that damn them, the economic conditions that strangle them, the social conditions that cripple them, is a spiritually moribund religion. STRENGTH TO LOVE
The way of the cross by which we are saved is no mere accepting of certain beliefs nor is the salvation only for another world. To walk in the way of the cross is to give oneself for love and justice, to account one's life as expendable for the sake of fulfilling the need of others, to suffer violence and never return to it. The Journal of the Interdenominational Theological Center 6 (Spring, 1977) from Dr. King's Doctoral Dissertation
We are called to speak for the weak, for the voiceless, for the victims of our nation, and for those it calls enemy, for no document from human hands can make these humans any less our brothers (sisters). THE TRUMPET OF CONSCIENCE
I believe that Agape Love compels us to ACT on behalf of those who are victims in our society - the victims of racism, classism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, ethnocentrism, extreme nationalism and any other bigotries the human heart can conceive. AGAPE LOVE is COMMITTED ACTION on behalf of the other, counted just as important as oneself... at least according to Jesus. I believe that we are all diminished when ANYONE is excluded, exploited and treated shamefully. I believe that we are ALL lifted up when ALL are lifted up, especially those whom Jesus called "the least of these my brothers (and sisters)." Especially for those of us who have enjoyed some privilege in this society, it is important that we STAND WITH "the least" and SPEAK JUSTICE TO POWER and WEALTH. It is the legacy of those who have given their lives - who denied themselves, took up the cross and followed Jesus. Instead of indulging self and making self comfortable and thereby reflecting the prevalent values of society around us, I believe that believers are called to address the culture of greed and self-indulgence with the Good News of Jesus' Kingdom to ALL whom God loves! There is much loving yet to be done! This is the time to pick up again THE POOR PEOPLES' CAMPAIGN of Dr. King and now Cornell West/Tavis Smiley and others... and speak/demonstrate justice to power and wealth. The movement is not dead if there is still movement toward equality, equity and justice going on!
Pastor Jamie
Read a powerful story about Dr. King recently and it was in a secular leadership book of all places.
ReplyDeleteOn Sept 28th 1962 Dr. King was attacked while giving a speech in Birmingham Alabama. Roy James a member of the American Nazi Party jumped on the stage and beat Dr. King with his fists. In the words of the historian Taylor Branch "King staggered backward and spun half around" while "the entire crowd observed in silent, addled awe." After being beaten on the face, neck, and back Dr. King managed to gain his footing and turned to face his assailant. Taylor Branch wrote that King dropped his hands "like a newborn baby"...he turned the other cheek. James stared at King, dumbstruck by the extraordinary gesture. In that brief moment several men jumped between King and James. James expected to be beat by an angry mob in retaliation.
But Dr. King said "Don't touch him. We have to pray for him." And no one touched the attacker. And they prayed for him instead. King talked with James right there on the stage, reassuring him that no one would hurt him. They then went away to a private room where King talked peacefully with James. Even after James revealed that he was a Nazi, King refused to press charges.
Lesson...Walk the Walk!!! If you really believe in something do not just give it lip service!!! You make the greatest impact on others if you live it!!!
To this end I would challenge believers (as you have) to make a difference!!! Jesus was confronted about loving your neighbor...who is my neighbor he was asked. Christ then told the story of the good Samaritan who went against his societies norms - at great expense and hardship to himself - and helped "his neighbor" in need!!! Keep speaking up for the oppressed Jamie...there is indeed MUCH LOVING YET TO BE DONE!! God Bless!!! Prayers!!