World Religious Traditions By John Martin Luther King Jr.

Sydney Smith October 15, 2015 World Religious Traditions Professor Wilson Essay #2 According to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there is a distinct difference between â€Å"just† and â€Å"unjust laws†. King writes, â€Å"A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law† (Michaelvdg 2010). This concept dates back to a philosophy developed by the Romans. The Roman’s code was between these two concepts, â€Å"Ius Gentium† and â€Å"Ius Naturalis†. Ius Gentium means a law that is universally practiced, where Ius Naturalis means natural law (Michaelvdg 2010). One way to explain the difference between the two is by using slavery as an example. Slavery was†¦show more content†¦Would that not come naturally to us? But what is too far when it comes to just and unjust? If we see someone being hurt on the street, do we give ourselves the flexibility to go attack the attacker and save the victim? Where is the line drawn? An important concept from Dr. King’s letter is civil disobedience. Civil disobedience is when someone intentionally refuses to abide by specific laws, demands, and commands of someone in charge. Civil disobedience is when one decides to prioritize their conscience rather than to listen to rules. I consider just and unjust laws a valid argument for civil disobedience to a certain point. I find it hard to argue because I believe that some people may take advantage of this concept. I believe that under certain conditions, it is okay, to break the law, as long as it is for the better of the people, earth, or another important factor in quality of life relating to a person, animal or planet life. Personally, I believe that if someone has a strong grasp on human emotions, and comprehends that other humans have the same emotions, such as, we feel the same feelings (physical or psychological), then breaking the law in the name of â€Å"moral law†, could be an action tha t they could take. For example, if someone is robbing an innocent mother as she loads her children into their car, I see nothing wrong with that mother grabbing a