1. Letter from a Birmingham Jail -Martin Luther King Jr. April 16, 1963

2. Introduction Why is he writing this letter?
To respond to criticisms that he believes are “sincerely set forth”.
The critics, too, believe that there are grave injustices present, but do not believe in his timing or tactics.
Why, how, and when do you civilly disobey?
His critics believe his actions are “unwise and untimely”.

3. Criticism #1: Why are you in Birmingham?
Simple answer: because I was invited here.
Better answer: because injustice is here.
The gospel compels him.
He is aware of “the interrelatedness of all communities and states”
What principle of CST?
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” –MLK Jr.
Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.
What image comes to mind?

4. It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham, but it is even more unfortunate that the city’s white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative.
Does he enjoy civil disobedience?
If you do enjoy it, do you think you should be doing it?

5. Nonviolent Campaign
Evaluation: gathering facts concerning the injustice in question
Negotiation: to clarify any possible misunderstandings, to compromise if possible, or to seek a new resolution.
Self Purification: to make sure that you are in it for the right reasons
Direct Action: Civil disobedience
¶ 2242
Not ¶ 2243

6. Evaluation (Step 1) Birmingham has an “ugly record of brutality”.
Unjust treatment in the courts
Unsolved bombings of homes and churches
These are the “hard, brutal facts of the case.”
Why do you think he does not need to go into greater detail here?

7. Negotiations (Step 2)
The economic community of Birmingham agreed to negotiate.
When negotiations started, the demonstrations were stopped.
However, they became “victims of a broken promise”.
After failed negotiations, there was no alternative except direct action.

8. Self Purification (Step 3)
Workshops on nonviolence
Examination of conscience:
“Are you able to accept blows without retaliating?”
“Are you able to endure the ordeal of jail?”

9. Direct Action (Step 4) When is the right time?
Easter shopping season in order “to bring pressure to bear on the merchants for the needed change”.
They have already gone through “postponement after postponement”.
What virtue do you think is necessary to have when engaging in civil disobedience?
Patience
How do you handle the frustrations faced in civil disobedience?

10. Nonviolent Campaign Evaluation Negotiation Self Purification
Direct Action

11. Criticism #2: Why direct action?
“Isn’t negotiation a better path?”
Answer: Yes, negotiation is the better path and that’s our goal.
We’re using direct action to try to generate negotiations.
“There is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth.”
Butterfly
What growth are they seeking?
“From the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.”

12. Criticism #3: Untimely
MLK Jr. is hopeful to work with the new administration but says that they will need some urging to act.
There isn’t a better time because, “lamentably, it is an historical fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily.”
Additionally, it will never seem “well timed” from the perspective of those not suffering the injustice.
If you think we’re impatient then yes we are, but it is “legitimate and unavoidable impatience”.

13. Hard, brutal facts (pg 3):
This is an important section for those of us who are so far removed from his time and experience.
Put yourself in the shoes of a black person who experiences the things that MLK states.
What is your reaction?

14. Criticism #4: Why are you breaking the law?
This is a legitimate concern: our actions may seem paradoxical (hypocritical)
There are 2 types of law: just and unjust
“One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws.” (¶ 1900)
“Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” (¶ 2242)
St. Augustine: “An unjust law is no law at all.”
How do you determine the difference?
St. Thomas Aquinas: “An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal and natural law.”
¶ 1901, ¶ 1903,¶ 2238,¶ 2242

15. Heroism of Civil Disobedience
“One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty.”
What can/does civil disobedience cost?
Is it worth it?
Those who civilly disobey when it is necessary and do so in a charitable manner “[Express] the highest respect for the law.”

16. 5 groups of 4-5 individuals
Circle your desks and read through your assigned section together and answer the questions that correspond with it.
Be ready to present the answers to the rest of the class.
You will have 10 min. to read and prepare
Presentations will take 1-2 minutes.