Love in Action - Chapter 4, MLK

Love in Action focuses on the Luke 23:34 passage, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do.” Before reading this chapter, I always just assumed the message of this passage was simply about forgiveness of other’s wrong doings or actions. However, MLK addresses another moral from this message besides forgiveness, which is human blindness. This line was said as Jesus was being tortured on the cross. Though he was experiencing much pain and agony, he simply cried out this small yet meaningful plea. Jesus asked for forgiveness because he believed the people were blind or ignorant of the truth, yet instead seeking revenge, he asked for the Lord to forgive them. MLK addresses two lessons to be learned from this, practicing what you preach or believe and the power of Christianity as Enlightenment.

Jesus says to forgive those that are ignorant. Often time’s man faces conflict over practicing what they preach. This is shown in our society when we talk passionately about peace, and at the same time we assiduously prepare for war as MLK states. Many of us get so caught up in what we should versus what is right, that we make wrong decisions. And because these decisions have consequences we must do more than ask for forgiveness but show forgiveness. “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.” I have always believed this especially when in conflict with others. Actions speak louder than words, and a person who is truly sorry shows so in their behavior. Jesus did not believe in revenge but rather forgiveness because it is necessary for “spiritual maturity.” When we chose not to forgive and practice the lex talionis philosophy, then everyone will “end up blind” and ignorant.

The second lesson is Christianity as enlightenment. Jesus believed that blindness was their trouble and enlightenment was their need. These men, like many others in today’s society, got so engulfed in what they believed, that they became blind and closed off to any other beliefs. Values like patriotism, which MLK discusses as the result of why many believe and fight in wars, can leave individuals blinded. We often question how far is too far and is death and war patriotic? Then we question slavery and how many believed it was such an economic factor- these questions all become “justified” so that they fit our mentality. We alter the facts such as religion and the Bible, to support what we believe is the truth. However, MLK and Jesus say this is because of blindness, but I wonder deep down do people really believe what they are practicing (i.e. slavery), and are they really “blind” to their actions? Forgiveness and enlightenment teach us to recognize other’s blindness and ask for amnesty.

MLK closes with the dangers of being blind and how “nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” We must learn to look past physical blindness or the external features of our fellow man such as race but NOT look past their ignorance. Though it is easier said than done, we must educate or enlighten those that are misguided and distinguish that intelligence requires open-mindness, sound judgment and love for truth. “One day we will learn that the heart can never be totally right if the head is totally wrong. Only through the bringing together of head and heart –intelligence and goodness- shall man rise to a fulfillment of his true nature.” We must always remember the cross and the man that laid upon it, who was represented at his worst yet defining moment.