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pat_k

(11,755 posts)
Mon Sep 15, 2025, 06:15 PM Monday

MLK: "Power without Love is Cruel and Abusive, and Love without Power is Sentimental and Anemic."

Power without Love is Cruel and Abusive, and Love without Power is Sentimental and Anemic.

Power at it's best is Love implementing the Demands of Justice! And Justice, at it's best, is Love, correcting everything that stands against Love.




It is Hope, with true acceptance of the realities we face, and a deep understanding of the interplay of Love and Power in the service of Justice, that is the life's blood of resistance.

We must do more than rail against "them."

Accepting the truth of the symptoms of our national illness is NOT giving up. It is an act of courage that fuels action. Just as accepting symptoms of a physical illness is an act of courage that frees up energy to take the positive steps you can -- energy that would otherwise be wasted in denial, complaint, and rejecting reality because it "should" be different.

Preserving Hope and taking steps toward healing requires the three C's -- Courage, Connection, and Creativity. And further, it requires an understanding that Power and Love are not opposing forces. They are essential elements as we work to turn the tide.

And note, I say work, not fight. Because what we are doing is work -- hard work. Non-violent work. Work for justice and core values driven by compassion, clear boundaries, hope, and strength.



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MLK: "Power without Love is Cruel and Abusive, and Love without Power is Sentimental and Anemic." (Original Post) pat_k Monday OP
Proud to be first rec MerryBlooms Monday #1
Thanks MerryBlooms! pat_k Monday #5
This place has always been a hit or miss. Depending on time a day, leading news, etc... Who knows MerryBlooms Monday #6
Great quote orangecrush Monday #2
Yes. And I came across it as I was pat_k Tuesday #7
Thank you BoRaGard Tuesday #9
One of our GREATEST Americans!! bluestarone Monday #3
Now is the time for a Testament of Hope to come off my bookshelf. pat_k Monday #4
King was a master at synthesizing theology and putting it in action. carpetbagger Tuesday #8
And now I'm inspired to learn more about Paul Tillich! (nt) pat_k Tuesday #10

pat_k

(11,755 posts)
5. Thanks MerryBlooms!
Mon Sep 15, 2025, 10:42 PM
Monday

Somehow I though this would garner more recs. It remains a mystery to me. I've posted things as a throwaway remark that get lots of recs, and then other things I think are important get a tepid response. I will never be an "influencer" because I have no clue what gets attention. (And I'm actually fine with this form of cluelessness. I'll just keep postin' what I post when I'm able to check in on my DU community.)

MerryBlooms

(12,001 posts)
6. This place has always been a hit or miss. Depending on time a day, leading news, etc... Who knows
Mon Sep 15, 2025, 11:46 PM
Monday

Take care.
Thanks for the post 🥰

pat_k

(11,755 posts)
7. Yes. And I came across it as I was
Tue Sep 16, 2025, 12:57 AM
Tuesday

... sort of wound up thinking about the role of compassion in morality and justice. And contending with the abuse being thrown at us.

bluestarone

(20,284 posts)
3. One of our GREATEST Americans!!
Mon Sep 15, 2025, 06:29 PM
Monday

Today these people in charge would CRUSH HIM!! (there is no doubt in my mind!!)

pat_k

(11,755 posts)
4. Now is the time for a Testament of Hope to come off my bookshelf.
Mon Sep 15, 2025, 06:50 PM
Monday

It's been way too long since I read that collection of writings. We need what he offered us now more than ever.

carpetbagger

(5,360 posts)
8. King was a master at synthesizing theology and putting it in action.
Tue Sep 16, 2025, 05:21 AM
Tuesday

These are concepts fleshed out in the 1940s and 1950s by Paul Tillich (cf his book Love, Power, and Justice). He's giving a book report and giving the ideas hands and boots to march with.

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