Question

Read the excerpt from “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”

In that dramatic scene on Calvary's hill three men were crucified. We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime—the crime of extremism.

Why does King use this allusion?
to establish historical precedent for racial tension
to commemorate men who have been forgotten
to suggest the moral significance of his cause
to forge a connection with foreign countries

Answer 1

to suggest the moral significance of his cause

King alludes to the crucifixion to compare civil-rights activism with a sacred, righteous struggle (invoking Jesus) and to cast the protesters' "extremism" as morally justified rather than criminal.