From a young age, King was deeply influenced by Christian teachings and the idea of love and justice. He was raised with the belief that all people are equal and that racial segregation was morally wrong. His faith played a key role in shaping his ideology.
During his teenage years, he began questioning certain religious traditions but remained committed to the principles of nonviolence and compassion. Inspired by his father’s activism and sermons, he developed a strong sense of moral responsibility to fight for justice.
His studies introduced him to thinkers like Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of nonviolent resistance resonated deeply with him. These influences shaped his lifelong commitment to peaceful protest and social change.