Use material from the following source to write a paragraph explaining what Dr. Martin Luther King Junior meant
when he said, “…at the center of nonviolence stands the principle of love.” (390).
For this assignment, do not use direct quotes. Instead use summaries or paraphrases of the material. Include
framing and blending techniques. The paragraph should be at least five to seven sentences long. Proper grammar,
spelling and punctuation is expected. You should also include a works cite page that references the original quote.
“In speaking of love at this point, we are not referring to some sentimental or affectionate emotion. It would be
nonsense to urge men to love their oppressors in an affectionate sense. Love in this connection means
understanding, redemptive good will. Here the Greek language comes to our aid. There are three words for love in
the Greek New Testament. First there is eros. In Platonic philosophy eros meant the yearning of the soul for the
realm of the divine. It has come now to mean a sort of aesthetic or romantic love. Second, there is philia, which
means intimate affection between personal friends. Philia denotes a sort of reciprocal love; the person loves
because he is loved. When we speak of loving those who oppose us, we refer to neither eros nor philia; we speak of
love which is expression in the Greek word agape. Agape means understanding, redeeming good will for all men. It is
an overflowing love which is purely spontaneous, unmotivated, groundless, and creative. It is not set in motion by
quality or function of its object. It is the love of God operating in the human heart.”
King, Martin L. “Pilgrimage into Nonviolence.” Essays from Contemporary Culture. Ed. Katherine A. Ackely. 5th ed.
Boston: Thomson, Heinle, 2004. 388-92. Print.