How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
Of course, there is nothing new about this kind of civil disobedience. It was evidenced sublimely in the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to obey the laws of Nebuchadnezzar, on the ground that a higher moral law was at stake. It was practiced superbly by the early Christians, who were willing to face hungry lions and the excruciating pain of chopping blocks rather than submit to certain unjust laws of the Roman Empire. (17)
King cites examples of courage he knows these clergymen were totally familiar with. In both examples, the courageous people are facing certain death. As people faithful in a God that would save their souls, they felt that sacrificing their lives for what they felt was right was A-OK. Dr. King often talked in a similar way about the death that was always around the corner for him. The end of his "Mountaintop" speech deals with this idea directly. That was the last speech he ever gave.
Quote #5
When I was suddenly catapulted into the leadership of the bus protest in Montgomery, Alabama, a few years ago, I felt we would be supported by the white church. I felt that the white ministers, priests and rabbis of the South would be among our strongest allies. Instead, some have been outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and misrepresenting its leaders; all too many others have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained glass windows. (27)
The sad truth is that people often aren't courageous on other peoples' or communities' behalf. Many white moderates in the South knew how bad life was for Black citizens, but were too scared to fight for change. The Temple bombing in Atlanta in 1958 (remember it in Driving Miss Daisy?) was likely a direct response to its rabbi's support for desegregation.