University Libraries
King’s Faith in Action
By Josie Carpenter-Lewis ’27
As the University of Dayton community observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect not only on King’s life and legacy, but also on a driving force of his activism: his faith. Born on Jan. 15, 1929, to Martin Luther King Sr., a pastor and civil rights advocate, and Alberta Williams King, a choir director and civil rights organizer, King's spiritual life began at a young age.
At 18, King felt a calling to ministry, and in 1948, he graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in sociology. From there, King continued to pursue a formal education in both his religious vocation and in the social sciences, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary and a doctorate in systematic theology from Boston University.
King’s religious and philosophical studies influenced his activism, most notably his peaceful approach to social justice. Inspired by Jesus’ own pacifism, King called for nonviolent protests, spurring movements such as lunch counter sit-ins, freedom marches and boycotts.
King’s vision of equality, best articulated in his quotation of the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal,” was founded on his belief that every individual was created by God and in God’s image. This belief informed not only his outlook, but also his writings, including the famous “I Have a Dream” speech and his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” both of which contain references to God and biblical passages.
It is undeniable that King’s passion for civil rights and his pursuit of equality were deeply intertwined with his faith. As an institution dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion, the University of Dayton draws inspiration from King’s mission for equality. His legacy challenges our community to strive for the future King envisioned.
Opportunities to honor King on Jan. 20 and beyond include:
- Visit the University of Dayton Libraries or your local library for resources to learn more about King’s life and legacy and the Civil Rights Movement. Here are a few recommendations:
- The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., edited by Clayborne Carson
- Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-63, by Taylor Branch
- The Heavens Might Crack: The Death and Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., by Jason Sokol
- Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, by David J. Garrow
- A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., edited by Clayborne Carson and Peter Holloran
- A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings of Martin Luther King, Jr., edited by James Melvin Washington
- Participate in the University of Dayton’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration events.
- Volunteer in your community to promote positive social change.
— Josie Carpenter-Lewis is a sophomore English major and the student assistant in the Libraries’ Office of the Dean.