“Biblical allusion refers to indirect reference to the bible to foster the understanding of a given message.” This rhetorical strategy is effective because it solidifies Martin Luther King’s argument as well as provides reverential men in the holy book that did works that correlate with his deeds. By using multiple allusions in his letter, King allows his audience to connect information by themselves which is critical in understanding what he is trying to communicate.
“Letter from Birmingham Jail” was written by Martin Luther King Jr. from jail to eight clergymen that used to criticize his actions, individuals who considered their case valid as well as the self-endorsed “Christian Church.” He wrote this letter not only to support and defend himself, but also his actions of fostering non-violent protests that were criticized by the clergymen. He also aimed at triggering the churches to rebuke the injustice that was taking place in America.
In paragraph 4, King compares his actions to those of key figures in the bible by stating that “just as the Apostle Paul left his little village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to practically every hamlet and city of the Greco-Roman world, I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular hometown” (King 1). In stating this, King demonstrated his desire to spread freedom just like Paul in areas far from Birmingham to eradicate racial oppression.
King referred to Jesus’ love in paragraph 31 by indicating that “Was not
Jesus an extremist in love? -Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.” He also asked “Was not Amos an extremist for justice?” (King 4) in the same paragraph to demonstrate his dissatisfaction for the treatment he received from the clergymen but also his desire to keep fighting for what is right. By referring to Jesus and Amos, King aimed at influencing people to consider his suggestions as well as to win the support of many people.
Similarly, King sites part of the bible towards the end of paragraph 40 by stating that “But they went on with the conviction that they were ‘a colony of heaven’ and had to obey God rather than man” to speak about his stand for fight against racial oppression (King 5). Just like Peter and other apostles, King was not ready to give in to the will of any man as his actions were aimed at fulfilling God’s will. According to King, it was imperative for him to offend men by doing what he considered right and the will of God instead of embracing the unjust actions of men.
In conclusion, “biblical allusion is the reference of individuals and actions presented in the bible to influence the way people view events and things before them in life.” King employed this rhetoric strategy to convey an important message to the clergymen who he knew understood the biblical texts.
Work Cited
King, Luther Martin. Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1963. Print.
