Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The great social reformer and Abolitionist, William Wilberforce, MP, managed to defeat the slave trade in the British Empire due to his patience, endurance, diligence, hard work, and above all, his deep and firmly stated Christian faith. The great 18th century Anglican was reinforced by his association with John Newton and with John Wesley.
The movie Amazing Grace, starring Ioan Gruffudd, with Albert Finney, written by Steven Knight, and directed by Michael Apted, tells the story of Wilberforce's fight. His Christian faith is not hidden under a bushel, as may have been done were this a Hollywood movie, rather than a British film. The movie is now available on DVD. I recommend it, and I especially recommend it as a movie that both entertains and educates, an excellent choice to show to children and young students.
I do not write such endorsements of movies often. In fact, never. But, this is an exception because it is truly a worthy film. It is both educational and inspiring. If any of us think that we may lose heart in the battles of our time, especially the battle for the sanctity of life, it can only help us to remember the battle fought by William Wilberforce.