Embracing Kingian Nonviolence: A Quaker Perspective

Kingian nonviolence, inspired by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is a philosophy grounded in the belief that love, courage, and compassion can triumph over hatred and injustice. It recognizes the interconnectedness of humanity and encourages individuals to address conflicts through nonviolent means. The Gathering for Justice organization utilizes Kingian nonviolence as a social application for change and civic engagement.  Many Quakers have been inspired in the work for social change by Dr. King’s legacy and the mobilizing forces of The Gathering. The Kingian nonviolence’s transformative approach to conflict resolution is rooted in six principles:

  1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. Nonviolence is a vital force for change and reconciliation and a core tenet of the Quaker faith. 
  2. The Beloved Community is the framework for the future. Gathering for Justice describes the Beloved Community as a reconciled world where justice prevails and persons attain their full human potential. Quakers strive to build a community based on mutual respect and understanding, with the goal of creating a world where justice and love are core values.
  3. Attack forces of evil, not persons doing evil. Gathering for Justice encourages us to focus on the fundamental conditions, policies and practices of the conflict rather than reacting to one’s opponents or their personalities. An important reminder on this anniversary.
  4. Accept suffering without retaliation for the sake of the cause to achieve a goal. Gathering for Justice explains that the moral authority of voluntary suffering for a goal communicates the concern to one’s own friends and community as well as to the opponent.
  5. Avoid internal violence of the spirit as well as external physical violence. Quaker worship is an opportunity for reflection on and resolution of one's internal violence of the spirit. Through silent worship and spiritual discernment, Friends seek to cultivate a sense of inner peace and alignment with divine guidance
  6. The universe is on the side of justice. Gathering for Justice reminds us that the fundamental values in all of the world’s great ideologies include the concept that the moral arc of the universe is long but it bends towards justice. That doesn't mean we don't have to work very hard to guide that arc. Justice is not passive.

How do we continue Dr. King's work throughout the year? There are many ways: people can support the current Poor People's Campaign. We can speak out, we can step up, and we can amplify others who have lived experience but don't have as large of a platform.

This year, our teen class has discussed both the principles and practical application of Kingian Nonviolence in First Day School. 

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