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MLK- visionary or trouble maker?
Four decades after the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. fell to an assassin’s bullet, colleagues and biographers offer many answers to the question: What if he had lived? Of all the “might be’s” and “what if’s,” Martin Luther King III feels sure of one thing. Had his father lived, the country would be closer to realizing the “beloved community” he’d envisioned. Still, he feels his father’s guiding force pulling us inexorably in that direction. “From my perspective, his light still shines,” he says. “His voice, his message, we’re living every day. We’re embracing more and more. We’re not as close to it as I would like to see us, but we’re still living it. We’re still moving toward it.” The Rev. Joseph Lowery, who co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with King and marched alongside him, doesn’t think time would have changed his friend’s mind. “I think Martin was a preacher, and I doubt very much if he would have wanted to subject himself to the need to compromise and play certain games that are requisite to political candidacy,” says Lowery. “I think he would have preferred to do what he did best, and that was point out to ALL candidates and ALL officials … `Thus sayeth the Lord.’” {Associated Press}
To me, Martin Luther King Jr. was a man possessed by the gospel of Jesus Christ! As I’ve done research on his “DREAM” for America, it’s amazing how he often referred to bible scripture as a point of basis for his beliefs which resulted in action. I’ve always believed that this Preacher turned civil rights leader received a vision for our nation- took it to his church, then to his nation!
As we commemorate his 40 year assassination, let’s chat about what you personally think about this preacher? Was he a man of God driven by purpose, or a trouble maker? In your mind, was his message and actions based on biblical principles, or his own ideas? Was his vision for the nation for all people, or just black people?
Comments
By KDF
April 7, 2008 7:32 AM | Link to this
I believe MLK had many failures in his life.
All Christians have had these, as do others. But MLK I believe, was as close to a modern day prophet as Billy Graham is. Lives devoted to God, Jesus and the whole she-bang. I would love to see MLK’s vision come true. He tested, I believe, our conscience determinations as people.
MLK’s speeches were always delivered with passion. Love. 1 John 4:2-3 speaks of a true prophet, and MLK’s visions will one day come true if we adjust our free will. Our world will one day go away, of course, but the course of freedom should always be maintained.
By Jeff
April 7, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I heard on Focus on the Family about a pastor in Romania during the Soviet Bloc reign. He preached the Gospel boldly. When confronted by authorities he stated that they could leave him alone and only those he spoke to would hear, they could jail him and it would attract more attention, or they could execute him and his words would spread like wildfire to all parts of the country. They chose to let him preach unhindered. MLK did something that went against the norm. He used passive resistance to accomplish his goals. He also did not use self-inflicted wounds, such as hunger strikes. I believe his tactics matched with his assassination have led to his dream being brought closer to fulfillment. Pastor Joe, a person driven by God will stand up to injustice, immorality, and idolatry no matter the personal cost (ie. Jesus, Paul, Jeremiah, Isiah, Elijah, Esther, etc.) In the world’s eyes he was seen as a troublemaker, but he will sit before the throne of God asking “How long until you avenge my blood, oh Lord,” until the Word is fulfilled on earth.
By GJ
April 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Some of the greatest visionaries are also troublemakers - in the sense of fighting injustice. MLK wanted a place at the table for all Americans, not just those who agreed with him. This would be a stronger country if more Christians followed his lead instead of supporting the wealthy charlatan preachers and “healers” we see on all too often on TV.
MLK wan in imperfect man. But he was a true visionary that put his vision in to action. Even as a freethinker even I can say “Amen” to that.
By cantw82leave
April 7, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
I was brought up to believe that MLK was a great man who did great things. Everyting in our society and public education told me this, so imagine my shock when my grandfather stated one day at the Sunday dinner table that MLK was nothing more than a troublemaker and wanted all blacks to receive welfare.
Imagine my shock at questioning whether he was in fact a race-biased troublemaker attempting nothing more than to get the American government to provide black Americans with a “free ride”? Well, here’s how I rationalized it out: Prior to Dr. King bringing attention to the race issue in this country, black Americans were segregated, stereotyped and shunned. Forced to sit at the back of the base, drink from different water fountains, use different bathrooms,etc. I can’t imagine this being an accepted way of life, and yet my grandparents remember it (and embarrasingly enough, didn’t see anything wrong with it). I think our society still has a lot of problems, and the black community certainly isn’t exempt from them, but I think that Dr. King was willing to do what few people are, and that is take a stand, and lead a fight. He brought attention to the injustices of race in our society and he paid for it with his life. Have some of his followers taken it too far and misconstrued the message of Dr. King? Yes, I believe they have. But at the same time, do all humans have a right to be treated equally, with the same opportunities for education, decent jobs and be allowed to care for their families to the best of their abilities? Absolutely. I think this was the message that Dr. King brought, that at least if the playing field is level, we only have ourselves to blame if we fail.
By Elaine
January 24, 2009 7:03 PM | Link to this
Dear Rev. Carbajal: Are you any relations to a Nicholas,Rev Joseph, and Rev. Facundus brothers from the early 1900’s? Thanks.
By Bernard Miramon
September 14, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
Yes, I am related to the Nicholas, Rev. Joseph, and Rev. Facundus Carbajal. Nicholas Carbajal was my GreatGrand Father and my two Great Uncles. My Grandmother was Marie Carbajal Miramon. The Holy Angels In the Immaculate Conception Jesuit Church is my Grandmother, my Great Grand Mother, Great Great Grandmother and Great Aunt.
Bernard