Annotations on a Letter That Changed the World from a Birmingham Jail

by Peter A. Lillback

Martin Luther Kings speech is annotated by Peter Lillback.

159 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Peter A. Lillback is an American theologian who serves as President and Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. He is also President of the Providence Forum and a senior editor at Unio cum Christo. Ordained in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, he holds credentials as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. Lillback earned degrees from Cedarville University, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He is the author of George Washington’s Sacred Fire.

Reviews

[Tim Chavel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a scholarly work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail. The author, Dr. Peter A. Lillback, is also the author of the great book about the Christianity of George Washington, Sacred Fire . This is not an easy book to read . It has small print and lots of notes. I thought it was interesting to see all of the resources Dr. King used to put his letter together. He quoted or paraphrased many different people including many portions of God’s Word. Dr. King, as you know, is a very controversial man. He did many good things to promote racial equality in our nation through peaceful means but also was involved in many affairs (this was not mentioned in the book, as the book only covered the letter). The letter is written to some black pastors in Birmingham that were apposed to his involvement to their city. The letter is brilliant! Dr. King was truly a remarkable man that God use despite his weaknesses. I trust you will enjoy and be challenged by the quotes below:

Dr. King outlines six principles of nonviolent confrontation:
(1) Nonviolence is not passive, but requires courage;
(2) Nonviolence seeks reconciliation, not defeat of an adversary;
(3) Nonviolent action is directed at eliminating evil, not destroying an evil-doer;
(4) A willingness to accept suffering for the cause, if necessary; but never to inflict it;
(5) A rejection of hatred, animosity or violence of the spirit, as well as refusal to commit physical violence; and
(6) Faith that justice will prevail.

Religion is like a nail, the harder you hit it, the deeper it goes into the wood. ~Anatolii Lunarchskii

There was a time when the Church was very powerful. It was during that period when the early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the Church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society. Wherever the early Christians entered a town the power structure got disturbed and immediately sought to convict them for being “disturbers of the peace” and “outside agitators.” But they went on with the conviction that they were “a colony of heaven” and had to obey God rather than man. They were small in number but big in commitment. They were too God-intoxicated to be “astronomically intimidated.” They brought an end to such ancient evils as infanticide and gladiatorial contest. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

… the Roman Empire was well acquainted with the practice of infanticide. A father made the decision whether an infant would live or die after birth. Deformed infants were usually left outside at an exposure wall to succumb to the elements. Christians not only did not practice infanticide, but in many instances, they took the infants abandoned to death and raised them in their homes. Accordingly, over time, the early Christians pro-life commitment led to the death of infanticide.

Things are different now. The contemporary Church is so often a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. It is so often the arch-supporter of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the Church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the Church’s silent and often vocal sanction of things as they are. ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Right defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.” This optimism in justice even when its efforts are unsuccessful flows from the commitment of love to overcome evil with good, and the recognition that the discouraging defeat of the cross leads to the triumphant joy of the resurrection. A historic Christian saying declares, there is no crown without the cross. Romans 12:9-21 teaches, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If our enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 reflects this resurrection optimism, “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Dr. King’s sense of optimism seen in the white supporters who joined the civil rights cause often at great personal risk and cost to themselves practiced a form of optimism that he describes in the memorable line, “They have carved a tunnel of hope through the dark mountain of disappointment.”


Here is the Letter as written: see my blog!

[Chad Grindstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who may not be familiar with the history behind Dr King's letter - this is a great resource. Every American, and certainly every Christian ought to read it.