Biblical Unity, Justice, and Righteousness 

January 20th is the national holiday commemorating Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is an appropriate time to recognize King as a Christian leader of the Civil Rights Movement. Although he often uses the language of a social-moral perspective, we can see the foundation of his life and the shaping of the Civil Rights Movement is biblical and rooted in Christian beliefs. Let's explore how King utilized three biblical themes: unity, justice, and righteousness.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In Letter from Birmingham Jail (1963), Reverend King wrote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." This statement captures King's vision of unity based on interconnectedness. He emphasizes that people cannot see themselves as isolated from one another. If injustice exists in one place, it has ripple effects on everyone else. He underscores the interconnectedness of all people and the need for collective action to address injustice. This sub-theme of unity highlights the idea of a shared human destiny and collective struggle, fostering a sense of interdependence based on coalescence and shared responsibility. King emphasizes that societal progress depends on recognizing that people are part of a single, interconnected human family.

In another example of unity, King said, "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." (Speech in St. Louis, 1964). This line sounds like a Proverb from the Bible and reinforces the idea that division is self-destructive. King presents unity as a moral imperative, urging people of all races to work together to avoid collective disaster, pointing to the existential threat posed by division, particularly in the context of racism and segregation. Today, the context for division includes any group of people selected for exclusion by another, more dominant group.

Biblical justice and righteousness are common themes of the Bible and many of King's speeches, like in this famous quote from Amos 5:24, "Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream." (I Have a Dream speech 1963). This verse from Amos reflects King's belief that justice and righteousness are not optional but divinely mandated. He frames the struggle for civil rights as a moral crusade aligned with biblical principles. King presents the civil rights struggle as more than a political cause; it calls for fulfilling God's will. The "mighty stream" implies unstoppable, natural, and divine momentum for justice, instilling a sense of duty and obligation in the audience.

King exhorted the nation to understand that unity based on justice and righteousness is a Christian's obligation to God. "The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state." (Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1963). King critiques religious leaders who remain silent in the face of injustice. He insists that the church must act as a moral compass for society, grounded in biblical principles of righteousness. King calls on the church to exercise moral courage and to be a witness to divine justice rather than a passive bystander. Expanding his critique of moderate religious leaders to include all people, King said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." This quote from his book Strength to Love (1963) highlights King's belief in the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

King's timeless views of unity, righteousness, and justice are interconnected principles of God's will for everyone today. King's appeal to unity is rooted in human interconnectedness and brotherhood. His appeal to biblical righteousness invokes Christian and other religious ideals of justice, portraying the civil rights movement as part of God's divine plan for the United States and everywhere there is injustice. His vision of social justice addresses racial, economic, and systemic inequalities, emphasizing the need for urgent, active resistance. His words remain a Christian, biblical, and moral call to action in pursuing justice today in the United States and every country, urging us to act now, not later.

It is important to note that these are just a few examples of King's key statements on these topics. His extensive work provides a wealth of insights into his philosophy and vision for a more just and equitable society. To delve deeper, consider reading King's books, such as Strength to Love and Why We Can't Wait, or listening to his speeches.

The biblical themes of King and the civil rights movement are evident in Valley Christian Schools' seven principles of Biblical Unity. In summary, the principles declare we are called to celebrate all people's God-given diversity and teach and model biblical unity in every area of life. Achieving true diversity, equity, and inclusion requires reliance on Jesus's redemptive work and repentance from sin. By recognizing the image of God in every person, we honor their unique qualities and commit to loving one another in unity. The principles' overall theme can help us understand King's vision for a just society and set a standard for unity to inspire the VCS community. Read the seven principles of Biblical Unity in VCS' Philosophy of Christian Education to learn more.

A Prayer for God's Justice

This prayer reflects our commitment to seeking justice in the world, inspired by the teachings of King and the principles of biblical unity, justice, and righteousness.

Heavenly Father,

We come to you seeking strength as we wait for your justice to prevail. Your Word reminds us that every human life is valuable because You made every one of us in Your image. This truth affirms that we all have equal worth, a unique purpose, and a place in Your divine plan.

Lord, You see the injustices that have plagued humanity for generations—crossing borders and nations and affecting people of every ethnicity and social class. You know the pain and suffering caused by these wrongs. We pray that the injustice occurring in our nation and the world today will be seen for what it truly is — unmistakably wrong — by all who witness it. Open hearts, awaken consciences, and stir compassion in those who have the power to bring change.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

To Learn More, follow these links to Spiritual Formation at Valley Christian Schools, the Way of the Warrior, and Biblical Unity, or contact Dr. Steven McGriff, Director of Biblical Unity at Valley Christian Schools.