Was Martin Luther King Jr. a Christian?
Truth: Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. was a "Christian." He was a Baptist minister, ordained at age 19, and served as co-pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta alongside his father. His faith profoundly shaped his activism, drawing heavily from the Christian gospel's emphasis on love, justice, and the dignity of all people. King frequently invoked Jesus' teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, and described his work as rooted in the "social gospel"—a theological tradition stressing societal reform alongside personal salvation.
King identified as a Christian throughout his life, but his theology was liberal and influenced by modern scholarship. He rejected literalist or fundamentalist interpretations of scripture, favoring a metaphorical or symbolic approach to many doctrines. In his writings, he emphasized Jesus as a moral exemplar and the embodiment of God's love rather than focusing on supernatural claims as literal historical facts.
This nuance leads to the next related myths.
Did He Deny the Trinity, the Virgin Birth, and the Divinity of Christ?
Myth vs. Truth: These claims are largely accurate based on King's seminary papers from Crozer Theological Seminary (1948–1951) and Boston University (1951–1955), now publicly available through the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University.
In a 1949 paper titled "What Experiences of Christians Living in the Early Christian Century Led to the Christian Doctrines of the Divine Sonship of Jesus, the Virgin Birth, and the Bodily Resurrection," King argued that these doctrines emerged from early Christians' experiences and influences like Greek mythology, rather than direct divine revelation. He described the virgin birth as "downright improbable and even impossible" to the modern scientific mind and viewed the resurrection as symbolic of spiritual conviction rather than a literal bodily event.
In "The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus" (1949–1950), King rejected the "orthodox" view of Christ's divinity as an inherent metaphysical substance, calling it "harmful and detrimental." He wrote that portraying Jesus as ontologically divine could excuse human failure by implying Jesus had an unfair advantage. Instead, he saw Jesus' divinity in his unique dependence on God and moral achievement—prophetic for all humanity.
King did not explicitly deny the Trinity in preserved writings, but his rejection of traditional formulations (e.g., Jesus as the second person of the Trinity in a substantial sense) aligns with liberal theology that de-emphasizes or reinterprets it.
These views reflect King's exposure to liberal Protestantism, higher criticism, and thinkers like Walter Rauschenbusch. He remained a committed Christian minister, preaching a gospel centered on ethical monotheism, social justice, and God's immanence in human struggles. Critics from conservative Christian perspectives label these as heretical, but King never publicly renounced Christianity or his pastoral role.
Was He a Marxist or a Communist?
Myth vs. Truth: King was not a Marxist or a Communist, though he expressed sympathy for aspects of Marxist analysis while firmly rejecting core tenets.
King studied Karl Marx and appreciated his critique of capitalism's exploitation and inequality. In letters and writings, he described himself as "more socialistic in my economic theory than capitalistic" (1952 letter to Coretta Scott) and later advocated for a "better distribution of wealth" and possibly "democratic socialism." He condemned capitalism's "evils" like poverty amid wealth and called for structural change to address economic injustice.
However, King explicitly rejected communism on multiple grounds:
- Materialism and atheism: Communism's "cold atheism" and materialistic view of history left no room for God or spiritual values.
- Ethical relativism: It justified any means (violence, lying) for ends, violating absolute moral principles.
- Totalitarianism: It subordinated the individual to the state, denying personal freedom.
In sermons like "How Should a Christian View Communism?" and "Communism's Challenge to Christianity," King stated that communism and Christianity were "fundamentally incompatible." He defended himself against FBI accusations of communist ties, which stemmed from advisors like Stanley Levison (a former CPUSA financier who distanced himself before meeting King). No credible evidence ever substantiated communist membership or control.
King's economic views were closer to Christian socialism or social democracy—advocating regulated capitalism with strong welfare, unions, and wealth redistribution—than Marxism-Leninism.
Was He a Republican?
Myth vs. Truth: No, Martin Luther King Jr. was not a Republican, nor was he formally affiliated with any party.
King avoided strict party loyalty, stating, "I don't think the Republican Party is a party full of the almighty God, nor is the Democratic Party. They both have weaknesses." He criticized both parties for betraying Black interests—Democrats for Southern Dixiecrats and Republicans for conservative Northern elements.
Historians note he likely voted for Democrats like John F. Kennedy (1960) and Lyndon B. Johnson (1964), the latter signing the Civil Rights Act. King denounced Republican Barry Goldwater in 1964 for opposing the Act and urged voters against him. Claims of Republican affiliation often stem from selective quotes or his father's initial Eisenhower support, but King prioritized issues over partisanship.
Was His Name Martin Luther or Michael?
Myth vs. Truth: He was born Michael King Jr. but legally became Martin Luther King Jr.
In 1934, his father, Rev. Michael King Sr., traveled to Germany and was inspired by Protestant Reformer Martin Luther. Upon return, he changed his own name and his son's (then age 5) to Martin Luther King. The change was formalized on King's birth certificate in 1957. "Martin Luther" honored the reformer, symbolizing commitment to faith and reform—not a random or deceptive alteration.
Was He an Adulterer?
Truth with Context: Substantial evidence from FBI surveillance indicates King engaged in extramarital affairs.
The FBI, under J. Edgar Hoover, wiretapped King's phones, bugged hotel rooms, and documented multiple relationships. Reports describe affairs with dozens of women, including allegations of orgies and solicitation. A 1964 anonymous letter (widely attributed to the FBI) threatened exposure and implied suicide. Biographers like David Garrow and Taylor Branch confirm King's infidelity as an "open secret" in civil rights circles, though Coretta Scott King endured it privately.
King's moral failings contrast with his public image as a family man and minister. He sought forgiveness in private and continued his work. These revelations, often weaponized by critics, do not negate his civil rights achievements but highlight human complexity.
Allegations of extreme misconduct (e.g., witnessing rape) from FBI summaries remain contested due to the Bureau's bias and lack of direct transcripts.
Was He a Communist or Foreign Agent?
Myth: No credible evidence supports King as a communist or foreign agent.
FBI investigations (1955–1968), including COINTELPRO, sought communist ties via advisors like Levison and Jack O'Dell (fired after pressure). Surveillance found no proof of influence or membership. Accusations arose from Hoover's hostility and King's criticisms of U.S. policy (e.g., Vietnam). Claims of foreign agency (e.g., Soviet or other) lack substantiation.
The FBI's campaign aimed to discredit King, circulating derogatory info to officials and media.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
Martin Luther King Jr. was a flawed human who achieved extraordinary moral and social impact. Myths often simplify him into a saint or villain for political purposes. He was a devout (though theologically liberal) Christian, a fierce critic of economic injustice who rejected communism, politically independent, renamed in honor of a reformer, and personally imperfect amid public heroism.
Understanding King requires grappling with both his inspiring vision and uncomfortable realities. His call to judge by character, not skin color, extends to examining his full life honestly.
God often uses sinful and weak people to accomplish a greater good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20 (Joseph), Romans 9:17 (Pharaoh), and 2 Corinthians 4:7). Only He is the judge of our souls.
Sources:
- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute (Stanford University): Papers including "The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus," "What Experiences... Virgin Birth," sermons on communism.
- David J. Garrow, Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (1986).
- Taylor Branch, Parting the Waters trilogy (1988–2006).
- Britannica: "Was Martin Luther King, Jr., a Republican or a Democrat?"
- FBI files and Church Committee Report (1975–1976) on COINTELPRO.
- King's Stride Toward Freedom (1958), Strength to Love (1963).
- Various articles from History.com, Jacobin, Acton Institute, and APM Reports on FBI surveillance.
