Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Dream’ for a better America had roots in the Hebrew Bible

Fox News's headlines on January 4 feature a spotlight on the revered American figure, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Every January, we take time to remember his significant contributions towards fighting racial segregation. Despite living through a racially divided period, King's belief in America's promise of freedom and equality remained steadfast. His unity-oriented message, centered on the ideals of America's founding and religion, remains apt for our current politically divided state.

King's belief was that the American founding documents, despite flaws in their framers, held true promise for civil rights. There are those in the present who argue that these documents ought not to be valued because of the imperfect character of their authors. However, King saw power and beauty in these documents and believed that they represented the better aspects of their authors, thus making them enduring. His approach was not to discard the founding principles, but to call for their proper observance.

Hence, King's success might be attributed to his focus on valuing people rather than shaming them - like constructing a tall building requires a strong, grounded foundation, so too does the development of a nation. As in, the roots of America's founding documents. King’s source of optimism, the Hebrew Bible, also inspired the Founding Fathers. His mantra of equality for all was rooted in the Bible's teachings. Utilizing themes from the Hebrew Bible, King emphasized the idea that the trajectory of the world would ultimately bend towards justice.

King and the Founding Fathers understood that their beliefs did not endorse a theocracy but recognized the importance of a biblical worldview as a basis for society. There is a need for us to reconnect with this foundation, come together under its values, and reclaim our glory. King’s vision remains a call to action, "I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together."

It emphasizes that unity under God is crucial for us to remain indivisible, ensure liberty and justice for all. Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, a best-selling author, scholar, celebrity life coach, and executive director of the American Faith Coalition agrees with King's vision.