Few historical figures are more revered than the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In this course, students will explore his tenacity, his thoughts, his character, his use of theology, his character, and his advocacy for social and racial justice.
Students will know that that although Dr. King had so many things going for him, being a pastor and national leader, that as a man he still had some inner conflicts and personal flaws. In spite of all, he did succeed.
Students are confronted, based on Dr. King's experiences, with the realities of living in a fallen world where Christians learn from Jesus' response to adversity, insult, and persecution. Dr. King and his movement is called to imitate God's example of preaching the gospel in a hostile environment.
As a Christian Pastor, Dr. King perhaps utilized every biblical scripture that addressed righteousness, justice, poverty, and peace. These will be included as topics for discussion.
Dr. King's meetings and marches can be identified as missional and this course will discuss them as such.
The context of Dr. King is comparing him to others of his time, amidst fellow activists, elected officials, and critics.
This course enables students to appreciate and live a Godly life even though there are different cultural interfaces where there is antagonism toward Christianity.
How are Christians to respond to threats, attacks, name calling, etc.? Dr. King and his followers show how to respond in a Godly manner.
Consideration will be given to movements, altercations, and other confrontations in the Bible, and that, relative to King's movement but will be reflected on inspiring students to be faithful, and serve sacrificially. Undergrads will compare and contrast one biblical movement and one of King's geographical (city) movement.
