Question

Read the summary of Martin Luther’s King’s distinction between three kinds of love given below.

King’s sixth point was central to the method of non-violent resistance. He believed that the importance of non-violence rested in the fact that it prevented physical violence and the ‘internal violence of spirit’. Bitterness and hate were absent from the resister’s mind, and replaced with love. However, the kind of love King was talking about was not the affectionate type but, instead, the type that meant ‘understanding, redeeming good will for all people’. He further explained that in the Greek New Testament, there were three words for love and each had a different meaning. Eros was romantic love and philla was a reciprocal love. Neither of these two types of love were the kind that King advanced. Agape, which was not a passive love, was the kind of redemptive love he referred to. According to King, “It is an overflowing love which is purely spontaneous, unmotivated, groundless and creative. It is not set in motion by any quality or function of its object. It is the love of God operating in the human heart.” Additionally, it was a love that was disinterested. The act of loving was not for one’s own good but for the good of another. It did not distinguish between worthy and unworthy people or friends and enemies. Furthermore, it was love that fulfilled the need of another person. A person was in greatest need of love when a sinner. King also believed that agape sought to preserve and create community. As a result, no distance was too far to travel in the attempt to restore community. Agape was, ...a willingness to forgive, not seven times, but seventy times to restore community. The cross is the eternal expression of the length to which God will go in order to restore broken community. The resurrection is a symbol of God’s triumph over all the forces that seek to block community. The Holy Spirit is the continuing community creating reality that moves through history. He who works against community is working against the whole of creation. Thus, hateful responses promote a broken community and instead one must respond to hate with love in order to avoid becoming depersonalised and to fix a broken community. Lastly, agape means that every aspect of life is interrelated. All human beings are related to one another and by harming another they harm themselves. Martin Luther King was a man who believed that the power of love could be the most effective weapon against the social ills of society. He promoted resistance that was nonviolent and, in the end, it proved to be the most successful method against an unjust system of segregation.

How does Russell’s concept of love and pity tie up with King’s concepts of agape?

Answer 1

Russell’s concept of love and pity is closely connected with Martin Luther King’s concept of agape. Russell believed that love gives meaning to life and that pity develops sympathy and concern for the suffering of others. Similarly, King’s agape is a selfless and unconditional love that seeks the good of others, including one’s enemies.

Both thinkers believe that genuine love should not be selfish or limited to people who are close to us. It should lead us to understand others, forgive them and help reduce suffering. Russell’s love and pity therefore support King’s idea that love can overcome hatred, heal broken relationships and create a better human community.