Community Writing

When studying Biblical texts, one of the obstacles I constantly have to deal with is the notion that an indicated author is not neccesary the author in a modern understanding of the word. We don’t know if it was Mark that wrote Mark, and if it was there are probably some add-ons that are not his or hers. For some this sounds like we are dealing with fraud or forgery, someone claiming to be something that he is not. The reality is more complicated than that though.

The reason this came to my mind now is the quotation by Martin Luther King Jr. that is constantly being published on various tweets and Facebook walls in a response to the death of Osama Bin Laden.

I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.-Martin Luther King, Jr

The quote has now a life of its own. It is a statement that expresses the feelings of millions and it is respectful of Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy, not only as a human rights advocate but also as a person that fought against the war in Vietnam. So is there an issue?
As a human being I want to say no, but as a rational academic machine born in a modern world, it is annoying that the first part of the quote was probably never written down or spoken by Mr. King. It is a communal add-on to help make the sentiment in the later half of the quote relevant to the events in Pakistan the first two days in May.
I am sure Martin Luther King Jr. would have had no problem with the first part, I am convinced that the quote is helpful in describing the feelings of all those that have posted it and still my stupid academic upbringing stops me from posting it myself, but calls me to write a blog post about it.