Toward A Theology Of Radical Involvement: The Theological Legacy Of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The importance of Toward a Theology of Radical Involvement lies in its focus on the theological and ethical perspective of Martin Luther King Jr. By examining the multiple, competing images of King in both academia and the public square, Ivory argues that mass public confusion and ambiguity exist today about King's identity. Consequently, the more radical and prophetic thrust of his legacy of thought and action has been blunted.

While recognizing Martin Luther King, Jr.'s role and contributions as a minister and social activist, Luther D. Ivory argues that King's primary identity rests in the category of theologian. Ivory asserts that "radical involvement" is the primary theme and touchstone of King's theological perspective. Indeed, asserts Ivory, radical involvement undergirds his theological reflection on the nature of God, the person and work of Jesus, the presence of evil, and the meaning and function of the church.

Much of the originality of Toward a Theology of Radical Involvement is evident in the connection that Ivory makes between King's theology and his ethics. No scholar until now has sufficiently demonstrated in a major work how King's theology of radical engagement found affinity with his communitarian ethic or social vision.

This volume provides an excellent secondary text for courses in American history, theology, and ethics.