Unit 11: The Kingdom of God

Section 1: “I Have a Dream” Speech by Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Delivered on August 28, 1963 Delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech What is Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream? –Describe five of its major characteristics

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Description of Major Characteristics –Justice No segregation No discrimination No poverty –Equality of all people Respect and dignity for all people who are made in the image of God (from the Genesis Creation Stories) People judged “by the content of their character” –Unity and Brotherhood and Solidarity

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Description of Major Characteristics –Opportunity Employment, education, facilities –Freedom –Rights Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness –Peace, Tranquility, and Harmony Non-violent civil disobedience –Joy and Hope

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Description of Major Characteristics –Love Forgiveness –Conversion and Repentance

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Description of Major Characteristics –“The Table of Brotherhood” A place for all people to gather and to eat –For Christians the Table is the Altar A place of sacrifice –An offering of self (time, talents, and treasure) to God A place to share a meal –All are welcome, especially the poor and marginalized

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Description of Major Characteristics –“The Table of Brotherhood” A place for all people to gather and to eat –The Last Supper The Eucharist –Both a Holy Sacrifice and a Shared, Sacred Meal –Blessing and Thanksgiving –Nourishment and New Life The Washing of the Feet –Servant Leadership –A Challenge to Christians Welcome all people, hospitality, service

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Description of Major Characteristics –Not a specific geographical territory –Not a national, political, or military kingdom –It can occur on Earth –It occurs in the Hearts and Minds of people When the people overcome their biases and prejudices

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Has Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream become a reality? –Defend your response

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Dream or Reality ? –The dream is a reality; it is a possibility that has been fulfilled and achieved and has already successfully occurred in the world –At the same time it has not been fulfilled in its entirety; it is not yet complete

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech Why did I have you read Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech? –In addition to fighting for civil rights (racial discrimination) and economic justice (poverty), MLK was an ordained minister in the Baptist Church –MLK shared the same vision of the world as Jesus –MLK’s “Dream” was based on Jesus’ “Dream”

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech What was Jesus’ “Dream”? What was the message that Jesus proclaimed? –Explore the Gospels What are the first words out of Jesus’ mouth in the Gospel According to Mark? –“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1: 15) Jesus’ “Dream” is the Kingdom of God –The characteristics of the Kingdom of God are the same characteristics that were used to describe MLK’s vision of the ideal world

MLK’s “I Have a Dream” Speech