Amazing Grace opens Friday
February 22nd, 2007 Posted in Goin' to Town
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
The movie that I’ve been waiting to see for quite some time opens Friday. It’s called Amazing Grace, and it’s the story of William Wilberforce (1759-1833). Wilberforce singlehandedly was abel to move England to outlawing slavery in his generation. A vibrant Christian, he was also a prolific writer. I read his Real Christianity a couple of years ago and was amazed by how relevant his assessment of dead religion and living faith is to today’s church.
I’d highly encourage you to go and take a friend!
Blogged with Flock
February 22nd, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I’m looking forward to it too! I’m guessing you know that Wilberforce was also part of a significantly influential group of Christians who helped bring about major changes in British life. They were the originators of the British and Foreign Bible Society and included in their number the grandfather of Florence Nightingale.
After the abolition bill was passed, Wilberforce is said to have asked his friend Henry Thorton, “Whar shall we abolish now!” Thorton replied, “The lottery.”
The influence of these men (although there was one noteable woman among them, Hannah Moore) is seen in the comments of Francis Place. In 1829 Place, who was no friend to Evangelical religion, wrote:
“I am certain I risk nothing when I assert that more good has been done to the people in the last thirty years than in the three preceding centuries; that during this period they have become wiser, better, more frugal, more honest, more respectable, more virtuous than they ever were before.”
For this transformation Wesley was partly responsible, and Wilberforce and his friends built on Wesley’s foundations, bringing their influence to bear in circles which the Methodists could never hope to reach.
I live not far from the place where John Newton once lived. If you’re ever my way, I’ll take you to museum!
February 22nd, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Wonderful reflection, Richard! Thanks for taking the time to share that with me. All I need is an invite, and I’m there! ;) Would love to spend some time in the UK.