Response to “Letter from Birmingham Jail” Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. has always been regarded as a profound historical figure, yet many fail to comprehend the magnitude of his influential impact on our world today. In fact, it is common for people to think of him only on the national holiday dedicated to his memory. His life and untimely death should always serve as a reminder of something many individuals take for granted: their personal freedom. King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, is written as a response to criticism that called his actions “unwise and untimely” (741); the powerful emotional and religious language he uses in this response are utimately the most convincing persuasive elements of the letter. One of King’s most effective writing techniques is drawing comparisons from past historical leaders to himself and his current cause.
“But even if the church does not come to the aid of justice, I have no despair about the future.” King kind of challenged the church; with or without them, African Americans will continue to strive. “If the inexpressible cruelties of slavery could not stop us, the opposition we now face will surely fail.” This is also an example of pathos because it evoked sympathy from the readers. Another appeal to be mentioned is the ethical appeal. “I have no fear about the outcome of our struggle in Birmingham, even if our motives at present are misunderstood.” Martin Luther King is saying that he knows the outcome will be good. The question comes to mind, “What gives him credibility?” Him saying, “I have no fear…” shows his compassion for this issue.
King does not take insult to the clergymen’s criticism but he gently counter argues every point they bring up. Letter from Birmingham was a great response to Dr. King’s critics about his actions in Birmingham. He does a great job appealing to their emotions, religious beliefs, and uses logic to answer all their questions. He was an advocacy for equality and fought to his last breath to make sure that the blacks would get the same treatment as
He clearly lays out for the reader the events that occurred and the people involved. He does his best to describe the differences and similarities between the various organizations such as the SCLC, CORE, and SNCC. While also broaching the subject that these organizations often suffered by not working together. Sitkoff writes at length, rightfully so, on the pivotal role of Martin Luther King Jr. and the dream of living in a world without racism. Describing ways in which he motivated a nation to rise up peacefully and without violence when possible.
Shane lives in poverty, chooses to spend his days with the poor, and ultimately serves his enemies. Whether Shane preaches that the Church has become apathetic and over politicized, he serves a purpose to change the way Christians think about their religion. Shane cannot be called a sideline spectator either, he walks the talk, Claiborne preaches in the city of Chicago, Philadelphia, in conventions, and in Iraq, risking his life. He absolutely has moral authority and credibility in his ideas and opinions. While I do not completely agree with his whole book, Shane Claiborne speaks some truths on many ugly topics of our society.
Martin Luther King Jr.: Letter from Birmingham Jail This is a letter from Martin Luther King Jr. to the clergymen in response to their claim in a local newspaper that his protesting was “unwise and untimely.” This is an attempt to defend himself and his fellow protesters. He begins by explaining why he was in Birmingham and states that he is not an outsider. He was invited by the president of the Christian Leadership Conference to be there. [623] He stressed on the issue of injustice in this area and said he must “carry the gospel of freedom” wherever it is needed like Paul did in the Bible. He continues to say that while the protests were unfortunate, it is even more unfortunate that the black community was left with no other alternative action.
When I compared Martin Luther King Jr’s use of Christianity with Aung San Suu Kyi’s use of Buddhism, I admired their use of nonviolence to bring peace among their people. Today, in a world that is filled with terrorist groups and so much violence, I wish we could have more influential people like both of these writers. In King’s Letter to Birmingham, he wanted the clergymen to understand that the Negro people were being not being treated like they should. In this letter he wrote about the differences of being just and unjust. He wanted them to know how oppressed the “black” people were with the injustice at that time.
Also, as a Civil Rights leader he must convince the enemy to stop hating blacks. A brave step in the opposite direction, Campbell visits “Klan County.” He writes,” I made the trip to what was being referred to by Peter Young as Klan County” (Campbell 246). Will was crazy to go visit Klansmen who he was fighting against. The change, however, did no harm. Campbell says, “I didn’t lie to them and they didn’t lie to me.
The church is directly called to speak up against it and do as God calls us to do in order to stop the still growing crime. The church is the Body of Christ and if we do not stretch out the hand that God gave us then we will be like a barren vine that has heard the Word but has yet to live it. Paul also states in Philemon that he is very much a slave to Christ. A true Christian is bound to His teachings and to strive for the exemplary life that Christ lived just as a slave is bound to the chains of his master. There are many things that the church could do to prevent slavery today although the majority of those who are taking action do not know the love and bond of Christ.
Martin Luther King, Jr. An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law. Martin Luther King, Jr. At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love. Martin Luther King, Jr. Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent.