Question

How is Martin Luther King viewed by fellow clergymen (church leaders)? How does he feel about being viewed this way?

Who can i post it too?

Answer 1

I can answer the first two parts of the question. The final question is not too clear, unfortunately.

Martin Luther King was by far the most prominent leader of anti segregation movement in the 1960s America. Amongst his many movements, the Birmingham agitation is a landmark event. Prior to the agitation, 8 clergymen had asked King to delay the movement and on April 12, 1963, he was arrested.

From the Birmingham prison, the said letter was sent to all 8 clergymen.

The 8 clergymen were seen as liberals and in some sense, supporters of the equal rights movement. However they were of the opinion that the timing of the agitation was not right. They were of the opinion that there was a recent change in the city government and that the new establishment ought to be given a chance to change things. However, King was of the opinion that this constant sermon of “”Wait” had done a great deal of disservice to the cause. King argues that prior to the agitation, there have been several instances when the community had waited and shown tremendous patience. In addition, to practice true non-violent campaign, the four steps of collection of facts, negotiation, self-purification, and direct action were practiced thoroughly.

King argues that creation of tension is justified, as long as the same is for the removal of unjust laws. The agitation was create this very tension. He gives an analogy of how a boil needs to be exposed to the air and light, however ugly it may seem, for it to cure. Similarly, this agitation, however unpleasant it may seem, was critical to bring out the injustices met to the African American community and to shake the conscience of the society.