Goal for Publishing the Letter From Birmingham Jail Essay

The primary goal for writing the letter was to respond to a group of white clergymen who were questioning the reason for the presence of Dr. King was in Birmingham, Alabama. At the begging of the letter, King specified that he was in Birmingham because there were cases of injustice (King Jr para 2). He specified that racial injustices had become a prominent social wound and as a reverend, it was his mandate to help solve the problem. The Clergymen had termed King's visit to Birmingham as untimely and unwise. He saw them as critics of his work, and made it clear that he rarely responded to criticisms, but since the clergymen seemed genuine in their concerns, he was willing to reply. Thus, the letter was aimed to enlighten these men and seek their hand in eradicating the racial segregation which was rampant in Alabama. King stated that he defended his course beyond his geographical boundaries by citing Biblical examples such as Paul, the Greeks, and Roman who crossed boundaries to spread the gospel. He indicated that his quest was fired by the same attitude (King Jr para 3). He aimed to ensure that injustices had been uprooted and that people were treated equally in Alabama. He stated that he was responding for a call that people in the region needed his help to end the racial injustices. He said that he clearly understood what was going on across the USA and the strained racial relationships, so he refused merely to watch as the atrocities escalated.

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He added that injustice anywhere was injustice everywhere. He also revealed a concern that the white clergymen were keen on stopping the demonstrations but were not showing interest in dealing with the cause of the situation. Thus he was challenging them to be the advocate of unity in the community and encourage mutually love among all races if at all they were genuine as religious leaders. He added that according to their studies Birmingham was the most racially segregated city in the USA and that is why he had to visit and use his mechanics to improve the situation (King Jr para 5). He further said that the resolution to promote peace that had been set to ease the tension had been violated, for instance, the signs that supported segregation were removed but later returned to continue humiliating the African American and other minority races. Moreover, he responded to the claims that there was massive lawbreaking by saying he would advocate for observation or just and resenting of the unjust laws, as he quoted St. Augustine who stood by the same idea (King Jr para 13). He was appealing to the churches in Alabama to support the move against the injustices by saying God was going to judge the church like never before.

My view

Concerning the just and unjust law, I would support the view of Dr. King and also stand by the same notion as Augustine that unjust law is equivalent to no laws. My position is based on the idea that laws should safeguard rights and freedom of people. However, when the same law is used to oppress others, it should be deemed unfit, and in a democratic world people should have a voice and express their displeasure on how they are governed. The only reason King advocated for resentment of the unjust laws is for their abolition and introduction of ones with fair treatment to all race.

Works cited

King Jr, Martin Luther. "Letter from Birmingham jail." UC Davis L. Rev. 26 (1992): 835.