Just saw the movie Amazing Grace with some friends yesterday. While not fast-paced at all, it was a pretty profound account of the life of William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was one of the chief activists in England in the early 1800s working for the abolition of the slave trade and slavery. The movie tracks his life, relationships, political work, and spiritual life from his earliest efforst in Parliament.
I’d highly encourage folks to see the movie. It will be quite different from most of the movies you would see these days. Wilberforce is a shining example of how a vibrant faith in the living God relates to seeking change in society.
For some further insight on Wilberforce, you could check out the following web-sites:
- Christian History‘s web-site has a number of articles you can read, including this one about the influence of John Newton (author of the words to the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’) on Wilberforce
- The BBC’s history sub-section on historical figures here
- Prison Fellowship’s brief biographical statement on Wilberforce
- Brycchan Carey’s web-site dedicated to 18th century England with an in-depth biography of Wilberforce as well as a bibliography of primary and secondary sources
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Matthew Erickson 