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CANCELLED: Social Change, Civil Rights, and the Human Condition: A Religious Approach to King's Nonviolent Philosophy

Submitted to Program Units
1: Theology of Martin Luther King Jr. Unit

Leonard McKinnis, University of Illinois, Presiding

Abstract for Online Program Book (maximum 150 words)

For those who seek to grapple with violence, conflicts, wars, and conundrums across the globe, a timely religious and ethical consideration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's nonviolent philosophy is timely. King's critical response to the "three evils of society"–racism, militarism, and materialism (poverty)–represents a point of departure for considering the movement that emerged from his philosophical thinking. These three evils are sites of ethical inquiry and engagement where one can consider how social change, civil rights, and the human condition carry religious intonations in King's nonviolent philosophy. How does King's nonviolent philosophy empower displaced or dehumanized persons? How does his philosophy utilize religious elements (e.g., moral and ethical inquiry, sense of community, and Divine-centeredness) to pursue liberation?

Papers

  • Dr. Santha Jetty, Columbus State University

    Satyagraha and the Dalits: King's Nonviolent Philosophy and Civil Rights

    Abstract

    The philosophy of the nonviolent movement as a belief system mirrors the principles of respecting the life and dignity of every person without prejudiced notions, rejecting all forms of discrimination and exclusion, and devoting resources to uplift underdeveloped communities from political and social oppression. In promoting these ideals, King followed the nine fundamental principles of "Satyagraha," namely, focusing on self-reliance, propagating tactics, upholding basic principles of actions, and many others. The paper will explore how the noble, fundamental rules of Satyagraha achieve justice for the Dalit Christians in India who are facing discrimination because of their Christian faith.

  • Donnell Williamson, Brown University

    Kingian Nonviolence and Prophetic Christianity

    Abstract

    "Kinginan Nonviolence and Prophetic Christianity" will examine the religious contours of King's nonviolence philosophy in light of the various commitments to social change and transformation found in Walter Rauschenbusch's "Social Gospel" and the Black Intellectual tradition. The religious language and sentiments undergirding King's nonviolence philosophy signifies his continous grappling with the existential crises affecting the Black American community, a concern for the Protestant faith tradition, and a commitment to outlining a love ethic rooted in justice.

  • Anjana Dayal de Prewitt, American Red Cross

    A Social Prophet, Nonviolence, and Women's Health

    Abstract

    "A Prophet, Nonviolence, and Women's Health" will argue how King's nonviolence philosophy provides an ethical opening to discuss the importance of women's health.

  • Unknown Member,

    Dis-Entangling the Theo-Economic Ethos in King’s Moral Leadership Offerings to the Civil Rights Act of 1964

    Abstract

    The economic dimensions of King’s work in the Civil Rights Movement offers a practical vision and a prophetic lens that empowers modern believers to meditate on the intersection between religion and civil rights. One way we can adjudicate the present state of civil rights from the vantage point of the aims of the 1964 legislation is through a honest estimation of economic advancement amongst all races of people. Reflections on theology, gender, and race animate the economic question of civil rights and religion because religious institutions have played significant roles in civil rights movements. Theological and economic frameworks influence how people perceive civil rights because they inform economic reasoning and shape moral imperatives. In helping to pass the Civil Rights Act, women have also fought for equal rights. And because racial injustice provides a daunting provocation, the disentangling of King’s theo-economic ethos in his moral leadership offerings is critically important.

Business Meeting
Leonard McKinnis, University of Illinois, Presiding
Montague Williams, Point Loma Nazarene University, Presiding
Audiovisual Requirements

Resources

LCD Projector and Screen
Play Audio from Laptop Computer

Full Papers Available

No
Program Unit Options

Session Length

90 Minutes

Schedule Preference

Sunday, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Schedule Info

Monday, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Session Identifier

A25-333