Martin Luther King Jr Principles Of Influence Analysis

Dr Martin Luther King Jr was a Baptist pastor who, using his influence, started a revolution and charged the state of Alabama with a conviction to change. In the 1960s it was commonly accepted in the South that to be a person of colour was to be inferior. Dr King sought to challenge this idea and to do so, he would have to rely on two principles of influence: Staying firm to his convictions, and building a team that worked towards his vision to bring about change. In the following essay I will analyse these principles, and outline how I can apply them to my life.

An integral principal of influence which Dr Martin Luther King Jr relied on throughout his movement was his unrelenting commitment to his convictions. A great leader and Christian

According to DeNeen L. Brown of the Washington Post, Malcolm X would routinely taunt Dr King, even going so far as to accuse him of “...teaching [African Americans] to be ‘defenseless in the face of one of the most cruel beasts that has ever taken a people into captivity.’” (Brown 2018, 10)

In the face of this mockery and constant pressure from not only Malcolm X, but other black social justice groups of the time, Martin Luther King Jr stood firm in his convictions, remarking, “‘We still advocate non-violence, passive resistance, and are still determined to use the weapon of love.’” (Brown 2018, 12)

The two would later in life have their opinions evolve and grow somewhat closer together; Dr King became more critical of the Vietnam War and more assertive in his position on black economic justice, and Malcolm X leaned more into Dr King’s tactics of nonviolence (Brown 2018, 13.) Nevertheless, the great doctor’s firm and relentless position against violence was what garnered a great level of respect amongst his peers, and his values on the matter can still be seen to this

In regards to holding firm to my convictions, I have increasingly found myself becoming the target of heavy criticism for pursuing a Diploma of Theology. Whether it be from my secular coworkers who question my Christian faith or my ex-classmates who do not see the necessity of such a degree. The pressure to back down from my convictions are great. Practical steps to combat these attacks include sharing the Gospel with my coworkers and being an example of Jesus in the workplace. While with my ex-classmates, it would be advisable of me to disconnect from those who do not support me in my direction.

When it comes to building a team, I have already begun the process of doing this. Recently, my core group of friends and I have received an enormous blessing from the Lord in the form of a rejuvenated passion for Him and a newfound conviction to pursue His vision. One of my friends whom I have intentionally brought into my team is Liam. Like Wyatt Tee Walker was to Martin Luther King Jr, Liam has comparable goals in ministry to me. We are both working towards becoming preachers in some respect, with Liam leaning more towards Christian apologetics, and myself towards pastoring. Liam has been a supportive friend and team member as often have robust debates and deep, theological discussions. Moving forward, I will continue to follow