Week 3: Only Light Can Do That
- What stood out to you from this past Sunday’s message? What seemed most timely and relevant to you? Was there anything which made you uncomfortable, or with which yo disagreed?
- When and how did you learn about Dr Martin Luther King? What is a specific way his life has impacted you / your community? How have your perceptions and understanding of Dr Martin Luther King changed over time? What influenced that change?
- Read and reflect on this part of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.
After contemplation, I conclude that this award which I receive on behalf of that movement is a profound recognition that nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time – the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression. Civilization and violence are antithetical concepts. Negroes of the United States, following the people of India, have demonstrated that nonviolence is not sterile passivity, but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation. Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace.,
How are Dr King’s words relevant today? What parts of this speech do you find most compelling? What do you find most challenging?
- See the verse Micah 6:8 below. What does “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” mean to you today?
He has told you, O mortal, what is good
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, and to love mercy
And to walk humbly with your God. - There are many examples of ways to address oppression and injustice through nonviolence. What are some examples you have been involved in yourself or are seeing through other people or groups? Is there a next step for you that you are considering or planning?