Friday, February 15, 2008

Martin Luther King Jr.











Feb. 15th 2008
Loving Your Enemies by Martin Luther King Jr.

This speech was made on November 17th 1957 at the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

So I want to turn your attention to this subject: "Loving Your Enemies." It's so basic to me because it is a part of my basic philosophical and theological orientation the whole idea of love, the whole philosophy of love. In the fifth chapter of the gospel as recorded by Saint Matthew, we read these very arresting words flowing from the lips of our Lord and Master: "Ye have heard that it has been said, "Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy." But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.

"Certainly these are great words, words lifted to cosmic proportions. And over the centuries, many persons have argued that this is an extremely difficult command. Many would go so far as to say that it just isn't possible to move out into the actual practice of this glorious command. They would go on to say that this is just additional proof that Jesus was an impractical idealist who never quite came down to earth. So the arguments abound. But far from being an impractical idealist, Jesus has become the practical realist. The words of this text glitter in our eyes with a new urgency. Far from being the pious injunction of a utopian dreamer, this command is an absolute necessity for the survival of our civilization. Yes, it is love that will save our world and our civilization, love even for enemies.

**My opinion**
In my opinion, I believe that Dr. Kings words were very wise. My mother (and family) constantly tells me to keep my enemies close. By doing this, you will be able to predict your enemies every move. Also, remember the golden rule, treat others like you will like to be treated. You cant fight fire with fire because youll both end up getting burned.

**Questions**
1) In your opinion, what do you think was the point that Dr. King was trying to get across?
2) Do you think that you would be able to do as Dr. King says and love your enemies?
3) Do you think that it was right for Dr. King to go against what God stated "Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy?"

*Citation*
King, Martin. "Martin Luther King Speeches." MLK Online. 28 Feb 2008






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