Featured Sponsors
Christian Living Resources, Bible Study Tools, Jesus Christ
Recently Posted
RSS This Blog
It has been alleged by some that Martin Luther King's "dream" for
America and equality in the U.S. has not been fulfilled in Barack
Obama. But this view stems from an unfortunate misunderstanding and a
kind of Christianization of King's message. MLK, in his famous "dream"
speech, was not talking about spiritual completion in Christ. Nor was
he talking about total submission by all to the King of Kings and Lord
of Lords in the Millennial Kingdom. MLK was talking about the political
ideals of a truly free country wherein all men/women are seen as equal
and are given equal opportunities to life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness.
King's view of equality can certainly be found in Christian ethics/morality and in biblical values regarding every human being, but his "dream" speech was not some sort of subtle evangelistic message that was pointing to a dream only possible through Christianity. Many countries around the world that are far less "Christian" than America are the very countries that America has had to catch in the equality race for all citizens. Tragically, so-called "Christians" in America have often been less than eager to help, strengthen, encourage, and support those people fighting the equality battle. And even at this historic moment in history, there remains an unwillingness to see this inauguration for what it is—i.e., a true opportunity for not only racial reconciliation, but a significant battle won in the fight against racism, hate, prejudice, ignorance, and fear.
In my opinion, MLK's "dream" has indeed been fulfilled this day to significant degree in Barack Obama. And those who would know best—long-time Civil Rights Workers—agree. And this is precisely why King's "I Have A Dream" speech is being re-played on local TV stations, quoted in speeches around the country, discussed on talk shows, and recited at special events—all the country to see and reflect upon. As Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio noted in a letter to attendees already gathering for the inauguration, "Dr. King's spirit will be with us."
How does it all relate to King's "dream" speech so many decades ago? (see my blog article, "Obama, History, MLK's Dream Fulfilled"). "For me, Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech has been fulfilled," said [Carolyn] Anderson, who attended the annual MLK Day march in San Antonio, Texas. This is a sentiment being expressed by many people. Another marcher in an MLK Day parade—Alfred Rodriguez of Tucson, Arizona—remarked: "The holiday is more significant this year because it’s all about the dream and now it’s being fulfilled." As one person in the crowd now gathering for the inaugural put it, "A lot of people I talked to in my dad's generation, they never expected to see this. Well, I never expected to see this and so I had to come up here and be a part of history."
Not surprisingly, a CNN survey "showed that over two-thirds of African Americans consider that the vision of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. is being fulfilled some 46 years after his famous 'I have a dream' speech. . . . According to CNN, 69 per cent of the African Americans consulted think this dream has come true." (U.S. News, "Poll: Obama's inauguration among most important in US history"). T-Shirts are now being distributed/sold "pairing Obama's face with Martin Luther King's, and tomorrow's date with the date of MLK's 'I Have a Dream' speech, both over the phrase THE DREAM FULFILLED."
As I encouraged all of us to do in my previous blog post, let us
rejoice. King's dream has indeed come to pass on many levels. We still
have a long way to go. And ultimate/perfect peace, joy, equality,
justice, truth, righteousness is certainly found in Christ alone, as
King himself noted: "A relationship with God gives us the power to
overcome whatever sin we may be struggling with, including the sin of
racism. Racism stands not only as a barrier between people, but as an
offense between us and God. The reason Dr. King could recommend Christ
as a solution to the problem of racism is Jesus' death on the cross
paid the price for all of our sins. He then rose from the dead and now
offers us the forgiveness of God and the power to live new lives" ("Let's Give the Dream New Life").
But for imperfect America—Christian & non-Christian, Black & White, Republican & Democrat—MLK's dream for our country has been fulfilled in the election of America's first African-American president, Barack Obama. The U.S. will never be the same. And for that, I praise God. It's
a milestone we've reached as a nation. It's a turning point. And it
would be tragic for anyone to not recognize this fact, wanting instead
to turn the historical moment into yet another opportunity to attack,
criticize, and divide.
Richard Abanes
Most Recent User Comments
Report this post
rabanes
1/23/2009 9:44 AM
CooP: What countries are you talking about?
RA: European countries in general. For example, "in 1792 the House of Commons [England] voted in favor of 'gradual' abolition, and in 1807 parliament outlawed the African slave trade by legislation." And it was in 1794 that France abolished slavery and freed "all enslaved people in her colonies," finally stamping out slavery by 1848. France's abolition decree of 1794 stated: "The abolition decree stated that "the Convention declares the slavery of the Blacks abolished in all the colonies; consequently, all men, irrespective of colour, living in the colonies are French citizens and will enjoy all the rights provided by the Constitution."
This is NOT to say racism is non-existent in Europe. Sadly, racism is everywhere. But socially, it's difficult to compare the racism of Europe in the modern era with the Civil Rights Movement battle for equality that began in the 1960s throughout the South.
The US is a great nation that must still grow.
RA
RA: European countries in general. For example, "in 1792 the House of Commons [England] voted in favor of 'gradual' abolition, and in 1807 parliament outlawed the African slave trade by legislation." And it was in 1794 that France abolished slavery and freed "all enslaved people in her colonies," finally stamping out slavery by 1848. France's abolition decree of 1794 stated: "The abolition decree stated that "the Convention declares the slavery of the Blacks abolished in all the colonies; consequently, all men, irrespective of colour, living in the colonies are French citizens and will enjoy all the rights provided by the Constitution."
This is NOT to say racism is non-existent in Europe. Sadly, racism is everywhere. But socially, it's difficult to compare the racism of Europe in the modern era with the Civil Rights Movement battle for equality that began in the 1960s throughout the South.
The US is a great nation that must still grow.
RA
Coop9002
1/22/2009 12:36 PM
Richard, you make some interesting points. It is true that we Christians in America have a long way to go in truly expressing the idea of equality for all peoples. However, I will take issue on one key point that was made at the beginning of your article.
You stated, "Many countries around the world that are far less "Christian" than America are the very countries that America has had to catch in the equality race for all citizens."
What countries are you talking about? Are you thinking of England, Denmark, Switzerland, or Ethiopia? Your statement unfortunately expresses an anti-american as well as an anti-christian bias that has been expressed by far too many individuals during the past few months.
While I agree that this is an historic event. I still struggle with the fact, that a man as completely unqualified as our current president is serving in the highest office in the land.
Will people still be gushing over our president in the next six months.
You stated, "Many countries around the world that are far less "Christian" than America are the very countries that America has had to catch in the equality race for all citizens."
What countries are you talking about? Are you thinking of England, Denmark, Switzerland, or Ethiopia? Your statement unfortunately expresses an anti-american as well as an anti-christian bias that has been expressed by far too many individuals during the past few months.
While I agree that this is an historic event. I still struggle with the fact, that a man as completely unqualified as our current president is serving in the highest office in the land.
Will people still be gushing over our president in the next six months.
- Read more feedback
- Give us your feedback on this article - (login required to comment)
RA: It's unfortunate that before making such a wild accusation you didn't read my post in honor of our veterans:
http://richardabanes.wordpress.com/index.php?s=veterans
I suggest you consider your words more carefully. Your statement smacks of the infamous era of McCarthyism wherein everyone was attacked as a Communist/un-American for the slightest reason (often trumped up charges).
Saying that the US has a long way to go and must work on its equality policies and racism is not "anti-American" -- it is pro-American. My words are those of a patriot who wants to see this country be everything the Constitution promises it should be for everyone.
CooP: as well as an anti-christian bias
RA: I suggest that before declaring me "anti-Christian," you consider that I have loved/followed Jesus as my Lord & Savior since 1979, & have served in full-time ministry since 1989. And my books have defended the faith via apologetics.