1. Martin Luther King and Justice “We must love our brothers”

2. How did Christianity form the basis for King’s vision of justice? Bible reveals God’s will  God frees his people from slavery (Exodus)  God wants justice for the weak and helpless (prophets)  Jesus redeems people from hatred and injustice, for love and community (gospels) Demonstrates this by suffering on the cross God’s will can also be seen in contemporary injustices in black experience  God did not will daily abuse on buses (123)

3. The cross and nonviolence Cross reveals who God is  Willing to endure suffering, violence to redeem  Understands experience of the oppressed  “The cross is an eternal expression of the length to white God is willing to go to restore broken communities” (127) Cross calls others to participate in Jesus’ work: suffer for love

4. Justice and love Distinct but complementary values  Justice: rights, fairness, desegregation  Love: giving of the self to another, integration  Violence contradicts love, God What is distinctive about MLK: Love is the means to justice; justice ultimately promotes love (community)

5. Questions Is justice different when it is guided by love? Why did many white Christians resist King’s vision of justice? Why did some participate? Do you agree with King, that whether a pastors (or anyone) work for justice is the chief way to determine if they believe what they say?