Ahmad Corbitt Speaks: Book of Mormon Principle Behind the Power of Dr. King’s Movement
By: Anna Bowers
What do both Martin Luther King Jr. and the Book of Mormon have in common? Exceedingly great faith, or in other words, having the faith to see things as if they had already come to pass.
This is what Ahmad Corbitt, former director of the New York Office of Public and International Affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believes –and what he shared with Southern Virginia University on January 19.
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Corbitt shared this concept in a presentation titled: “Power Behind the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Successful Equality Movement: A Key Principle of the Book of Mormon.”
“I hope you are as intrigued by this title as I was,” stated Corbitt.
Referencing two of Dr. King’s speeches, “I Have a Dream” and “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”, Corbitt showed similarities with passages from the Book of Mormon.
Both speeches revolve around a hope and faith in God, looking forward to the future and knowing what blessings were promised to him and everyone. Corbitt explained that all of these reflect the principle of exceeding great faith.
“You know how much I regard the bible, having been a member of the board of the National Bible Association. I read the bible every day and love it. This particular principle [of exceedingly great faith] is more clearly taught in the Book of Mormon,” continued Corbitt. “It’s great to hope for it, it’s great to long for it. But the Book of Mormon teaches us to see it as if it has already come to pass.”
Referencing scriptural passages Alma 5:15–17, 1 Nephi 5: 4–5, and Ether 12:19, Corbitt pointed out the elements he felt best taught the principle of exceedingly great faith. The key points were looking forward with an eye of faith, envisioning and expecting the blessings God has promised, and not attempting to deceive God.
Corbitt showed that both Dr. King and Book of Mormon prophets spoke of a future promised land which helped them be faithful and fearless. He also related how Dr. King spoke of his dream for the future, the encouragement he offered in his speeches of keeping commandments and commitments, and his desire to do the will of the Lord, with the scriptures teachings of looking forward with an “eye of faith.”
In reaction to Corbitt’s presentation, Victoria Wynn, Senior said, “It’s important to remember that we are all equal and that we all have an opportunity to have greatness. If we can visualize something we can accomplish it.” Sharing her feelings on Dr. King, she stated, “Impact-wise he has allowed us to see that love is just as important to have with everyone…his ultimate goal was really about love and service.”
“Dr. King, just by helping America see itself as it should be helped us to become what we are. We are a much more unified society, country, and nation. One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. That promise is more realized and we are all beneficiaries of it.”
-Ahmad Corbitt
“I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain… And I’ve seen the promised land. We, as a people, will get to the promised land!”
-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”
“But behold, I have obtained a land of promise”
-Lehi, 1 Nephi 5:5. Spoken in the wilderness in the Middle East, about the Americas.
