Today, America celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Do you think of King’s message of equality as a political statement? If so, you might be surprised by the extent to which the Bible formed the basis for King’s vision. King understood that the fight for equality was a spiritual, not just a cultural or political, struggle. Today, we encourage you to explore the biblical foundation upon which King based his call for justice and equality. Here are some essays that will help you do that:

• The Bible Passages Behind Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Message—a look at biblical imagery in some of King’s most famous sermons.
• Why Didn’t They Stop? Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Parable of the Good Samaritan—King’s take on one of Jesus’ most convicting parables.
• Bible References in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech—King’s best-known speech contains a number of specific Bible references. Can you catch them?