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Strength to Love (King Legacy) Kindle Edition

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,808 ratings

The classic collection of Dr. King’s sermons that fuse his Christian teachings with his radical ideas of love and nonviolence as a means to combat hate and oppression.

As Martin Luther King, Jr., prepared for the Birmingham campaign in early 1963, he drafted the final sermons for
Strength to Love, a volume of his most well known homilies. King had begun working on the sermons during a fortnight in jail in July 1962. While behind bars, he spent uninterrupted time preparing the drafts for works such as “Loving Your Enemies” and “Shattered Dreams,” and he continued to edit the volume after his release. Strength to Love includes these classic sermons selected by Dr. King. Collectively they present King’s fusion of Christian teachings and social consciousness and promote his prescient vision of love as a social and political force for change.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“If there is one book Martin Luther King, Jr., has written that people consistently tell me has changed their lives, it is Strength to Love.”
—Coretta Scott King, foreword

About the Author

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968), architect of the nonviolent civil rights movement, was a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and one of the greatest orators in US history. The author of several books, including Stride Toward Freedom, Where Do We Go from Here, The Trumpet of Conscience, and Why We Can’t Wait, King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07MYL8MDS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beacon Press (October 15, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 15, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,808 ratings

About the author

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Martin Luther King Jr.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968), Nobel Peace Prize laureate and architect of the nonviolent civil rights movement, was among the twentieth century’s most influential figures. One of the greatest orators in U.S. history, King also authored several books, including Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, and Why We Can’t Wait. His speeches, sermons, and writings are inspirational and timeless. King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
1,808 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and a great read. They appreciate the wisdom and guiding principles that MLK Jr. lived by. The writing quality is described as vibrant, eloquently shaped, and passionate. Readers describe it as a timeless treasure and a real gem. They find the book worth reading and a great value for money.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

101 customers mention "Inspiration"101 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and challenging. They appreciate the author's reasoning, intellect, compassion, and truthful moments delivered with passion and purpose. The writing is poetic yet his observations and intelligence are sharp and universal. Readers say the message is timeless and relevant even after all these years, especially for these times.

"...Strength to Love captures so much wisdom and guiding principles that MLK Jr. lived by. Timely read for anyone and in any season. Must read!" Read more

"...addresses symptoms rather than causes, Dr. King's teachings offer a profound and enduring message that challenges us to be catalysts for genuine..." Read more

"Profound and inspiring. A true leader." Read more

"...Not only does it talk about the Civil Rights Movement, but also about the ups and downs of life...." Read more

97 customers mention "Readability"97 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read. They appreciate Dr. King's take on the letter from the Apostle Paul. The book is a timely read for anyone and any season.

"...Timely read for anyone and in any season. Must read!" Read more

"This used book is in great condition. I’m enjoying the read, a timeless piece of literature." Read more

"Dr. King's book, "Strength To Love" is one of the best books I've ever read!..." Read more

"...Not only is the content phenomenal, but the writing is superb. I've read this book five times so far...." Read more

37 customers mention "Message"37 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a collection of Martin Luther King Jr.'s best messages on love. They describe it as a powerful, moving read that is good for the soul. Readers appreciate the passionate words and dedication to the civil rights movement. The book is described as uncompromising yet pastoral.

"...Strength to Love captures so much wisdom and guiding principles that MLK Jr. lived by. Timely read for anyone and in any season. Must read!" Read more

"...Dr. King's ability to articulate complex issues with clarity and compassion makes this book a must-read for anyone committed to creating positive..." Read more

"...King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence, his belief in a divine, loving presence that binds all life...." Read more

"...All of these topics are universally relevant and of lasting, timeless importance...." Read more

27 customers mention "Writing quality"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality vibrant and inspiring. They describe it as a classic work written by a decent and great person. Readers say the book is easy to read, thought-provoking, and spiritually engaging.

"...begins to be repetitive, so if you want something more quick and easy to read then I would start here...." Read more

"...His prose is vibrant, his insights are poignant, and his message is relevant...." Read more

"...Who loves like that? It's easy to philosophize, theorize, and homilize; but much harder to walk it out. MLK Jr. did both...." Read more

"Simple heartfelt read. Good historical reference intlo the character of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." Read more

18 customers mention "Timeline"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book timeless and relevant. They describe it as a classic, gem, and must-read. Readers also mention it's one of those rare books that can change your life.

"...It deserves nothing less than a five-star rating for its timeless relevance and the transformative power of its message. ~ Linsey Mills" Read more

"...I’m enjoying the read, a timeless piece of literature." Read more

"...All of these topics are universally relevant and of lasting, timeless importance...." Read more

"...Therefore, Strength to Love is a great historical document and a great lesson in love, compassion and the need to fight for what we think is right...." Read more

15 customers mention "Value for money"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth reading and buying. They say it's a nice book for their library and a great price for such a gem.

"...is like a breath of fresh air, and "A Strength to Love" is a book worthy to be read...." Read more

"...His message is timeless and I wish more people would read this very valuable book...." Read more

"...Highly recommend the Strength of Love, a must read." Read more

"Great shape for a used book. Almost new. Great price for such a gem! Thanks." Read more

13 customers mention "Beauty"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's beauty. They find the thoughts of MLK truthful and soul-touching. The style, vocabulary, and thoughts are brilliant for the era. Readers say it paints vivid pictures of the struggle and is in great shape for a used book.

""Strength To Love" by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an absolute masterpiece that delves deep into the core of social responsibility and the true..." Read more

"...upon love in real, embodied, gritty ways and does so with breathtaking grace...." Read more

"This book is beautiful. MLK thoughts are truth, soul-touching. I created a presentation for myself on the book chapters. MLK had a beautiful mind...." Read more

"...He writes with power, beauty, truth, and tenderness. I want to buy a copy for everyone in my family." Read more

8 customers mention "Characterization"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of MLK. They find him brilliant, a great leader, and theologian. The book is considered the best expression of who MLK was and keeps his vision and dream alive.

"...He was truly one of the greatest men of the 20th century and I wish I had paid more attention when I was young...." Read more

"...But what made him such a great leader - what made him such an influential force - was his faith in Christ and extensive education...." Read more

"...How sad! I have used this in several church book clubs. This man was brilliant!..." Read more

"...MLK was a great man" Read more

Great condition
5 out of 5 stars
Great condition
This used book is in great condition. I’m enjoying the read, a timeless piece of literature.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2024
    Although I've read quotes and excerpts, I'm embarrassed to say this was the first book by Dr. King I read from start to finish, but better late than never.

    This was such a convicting and challenging book, and one I want to revisit often. Strength to Love captures so much wisdom and guiding principles that MLK Jr. lived by.

    Timely read for anyone and in any season. Must read!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2024
    "Strength To Love" by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an absolute masterpiece that delves deep into the core of social responsibility and the true essence of philanthropy. The eloquence with which Dr. King articulates his thoughts is nothing short of inspiring.

    The quote, "Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary," encapsulates the book's essence. Dr. King challenges the conventional notion of philanthropy by urging us to look beyond charity and address the root causes of social issues.

    The book is a beacon of wisdom, providing profound insights into the interconnectedness of philanthropy and economic justice. Dr. King's perspective challenges us to question our approach to benevolence and compels us to consider the systemic issues perpetuating inequality.

    Each sermon in the book is a powerful call to action, inviting readers to reflect on their roles in creating a more just and equitable society. Dr. King's words resonate across time, serving as a timeless guide for those seeking to make a meaningful impact.

    "Strength To Love" is not merely a collection of sermons but a blueprint for societal transformation. Dr. King's ability to articulate complex issues with clarity and compassion makes this book a must-read for anyone committed to creating positive change. In a world where philanthropy often addresses symptoms rather than causes, Dr. King's teachings offer a profound and enduring message that challenges us to be catalysts for genuine social transformation.

    This book is a treasure trove of wisdom and a testament to Dr. King's enduring legacy. It deserves nothing less than a five-star rating for its timeless relevance and the transformative power of its message. ~ Linsey Mills
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2025
    This used book is in great condition. I’m enjoying the read, a timeless piece of literature.
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    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Great condition

    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2025
    This used book is in great condition. I’m enjoying the read, a timeless piece of literature.
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    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2017
    This collection of Dr. King’s sermons and meditations touches on themes that are more relevant than ever. Dr. King talks about the importance of having “a tough mind and a tender heart,” of being brave enough not to conform to majority opinion when that opinion is wrong and dangerous, and of loving your enemies (“Far from being the pious injunction of a Utopian dreamer,” he asserts, “the [biblical] command to love one’s enemy is an absolute necessity for our survival.”). He also talks about how to work through fear and shattered dreams. All of these topics are universally relevant and of lasting, timeless importance.

    However, what really stand out to me are Dr. King’s strong admonitions to the Christian church regarding its failure to stand up for the marginalized and oppressed. “Nowhere is the tragic tendency to conform more evident that in the church,” he declares, “an institution that has often served to crystallize, conserve, and even bless the patterns of majority opinion. The erstwhile sanction by the church of slavery, racial segregation, war, and economic exploitation is testimony to the fact that the church has hearkened more to the authority of the world than to the authority of God. Called to be the moral guardian of the community, the church at times has preserved that which is immoral and unethical. Called to combat social evils, it has remained silent behind stained-glass windows. Called to lead men on the highway of brotherhood and to summon them to rise above the narrow confines of race and class, it has enunciated and practiced racial exclusiveness.” Sadly, this admonition—as well as his numerous other criticisms of the Christian church—still rings very true today. As a human institution striving to represent the love of Jesus Christ, the Christian church will never be perfect, but that is no excuse for turning a blind eye to—much less sanctioning—injustices done to groups marginalized by race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, immigration status, or faith. And yet the church has done so again and again. In these admonitions, I also recognize and confess my own failure as a Christian to advocate for the marginalized. I need to do better. The Christian church needs to do better.

    Despite all the shortcomings of the Christian church and of humanity, however, Dr. King still had optimism for the future, because he believed in a God who “is able to conquer the evils of history. His control is never usurped. If at times we despair because of the relatively slow progress being made in ending racial discrimination and if we become disappointed because of the undue cautiousness of the federal government, let us gain new heart in the fact that God is able. In our sometimes difficult and often lonesome walk up freedom’s road, we do not walk alone. God walks with us.” As a black man who received daily death threats because of his determination to continue the work he started for the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, whose daughter asked, “Daddy, why do you have to go to jail so much?” and who often felt tempted to give up in the face of so much opposition, Dr. King most certainly did not write these words without cost or care. It both pains and comforts me that his words of advice, encouragement, and admonition speak so clearly to the divisive political and social climate we’re facing today.
    29 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
    Profound and inspiring. A true leader.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2023
    Dr. King's book, "Strength To Love" is one of the best books I've ever read! Not only does it talk about the Civil Rights Movement, but also about the ups and downs of life. That surprised me because I thought it was only going to talk about the Civil Rights Movement from the author's experience and perspective. The book also talks about the problems people face in their day to day lives, but also solutions to those problems. Many of the issues talked about in the book not only affect people in 1963 but also today and for generations to come. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone to read, but especially young people.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024
    The book condition is as described.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Sparky
    5.0 out of 5 stars NICE
    Reviewed in Canada on February 14, 2020
    (¯`*•.¸(¯`*•❤️❤️❤️▄▀▄▀▄😍👍🏻GREAT SERVICE A+++❤▄▀▄▀▄❤️❤️❤️•*'¯)¸.•*'¯
  • Vikram Mohan David
    5.0 out of 5 stars GOOD
    Reviewed in Australia on July 4, 2020
    get it
  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kann man weiter empfehlen
    Reviewed in Germany on January 25, 2021
    Gutes Buch, kam unbeschädigt an.
  • Inoue Dominique
    2.0 out of 5 stars "over-used" condition
    Reviewed in Japan on November 8, 2018
    A wonderful book, but its "used" condition was too bad: yellow and stained pages.
  • Sean E. Nash
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational words and well presented book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2011
    Sadly this collection of inspiring sermons by the late great Martin Luther King has only recently been reprinted. However the bonus is the book is well presented with a nice softcover and is easy to read. Regardless of your beliefs, these sermons, which are brief and easy to follow and exceptionally well written are timeless in scope and offer even the most hardened skeptic a great understanding of how the words of a first century rabbi apply today to our crazy chaotic world. There are real words of comfort and challenge to live a better life and for any bible believers they are a must have as they talk about hard core discipleship, what it means to love your enemies and neighbours, how to overcome adversity in the strength of God's love.Even though these words were written nearly 50 years ago, they speak volumes about our society and the unjust wicked structures that govern our world, as well as the apathy and neglect of mainstream Christianity. Believe me this book will inspire you and transform your thinking.

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