In this introduction to the life and thought of Martin Luther King Jr., theologian Rufus Burrow explores King's life as well as his thinking and activism. Burrow addresses those who see King as only a social activist by showing how his studies, particularly his theological studies, influenced, shaped, and transformed the activist path he pursued during his public life. Themes later developed by liberation theology were anticipated by King a decade before. These ideas were honed and shaped by his social activism. This book, with dozens of illustrations by artist Ron Hill, is written for a broad audience. It explores King's legacy, the continuing importance of his work, and his quest for the beloved community, and it will serve as an excellent introduction to King's life and thinking.