MLK’s Theological Case for Racial Justice

The unrest surrounding race in America is, of course, not new. But we are presented with a new opportunity to talk again about this perennially important topic. Earlier this year, our History of Philosophy professor, Dr. Jim Spiegel, had an article accepted by Themelios for publication on MLK’s theological rationale for The Civil Rights Movement. Last month the Gospel Coalition website made it available in advance so that it could be helpful in our national and church discussion now. We are pleased to pass it along to our blog readers as well. You can access it here. Here is a quote from King himself as a preview:

“Unenforceable obligations are beyond the reach of the laws of society. They concern inner attitudes, genuine person-to-person relations, and expressions of compassion which law books cannot regulate and jails cannot rectify. Such obligations are met by one’s commitment to an inner law, written on the heart. Man-made laws assure justice, but a higher law produces love.”

We hope this is clarifying and edifying for you.

• Dr. Spiegel is a Professor of Philosophy & Religion at Taylor University, and adjunct professor at Indianapolis Theological Seminary where he will be teaching our History of Philosophy course this fall.