I mentioned last year when I saw the movie "Amazing Grace" about William Wilberforce's lifelong campaign to end the slave trade in the British Empire, that I'd discovered a new hero. I hadn't known much about him before. Then I read two biographies and found that his public service was even more robust then ending slavery, and his influence on British culture was significant, helping to improve and shape it well into the 19th century. He was an amazing man motivated by his Christian worldview.
An important documentary about Wilberforce's legacy will premier on PBS stations in February - "The Better Hour." It recounts his character, faith, and leadership that allowed him to serve his country and God at the same time. He was truly a man who lived out being salt and light in the world. Wilberforce's was a household name in the 18th and 19th centuries; we would be a better people if it were again because he provides an inspiring and high role model of how Christians can engage and improve culture in a Biblical way.
I wrote a paper on Granville Sharpe in college. When I started it, I only knew about his six rules on the uses of the definite article in Greek (Granville Sharpe's Rules), but I found out he was also a big contributor in ending the slave trade right along with Wilberforce. You should read up on him sometime if you haven't already.
Posted by: Sam | January 31, 2008 at 02:52 PM
The amazing thing is that the abolitionists didn't just make slavery illegal. They made it -- an insitution as old as humanity -- *unthinkable*.
Our goal needs to be to achieve no less on the abortion front.
Posted by: Christina | February 01, 2008 at 02:39 AM
Melinda,
I really appreciate your blogging. You write from a deep set of convictions and passions which are a refreshing antidote to the negativism and detachment of our time (who even uses the word 'hero' anymore?). It's nice to see that you can be smart without being cynical and faithful without shunning reason.
Thank you,
Posted by: MarkC | February 01, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Melinda,
You may want to listen to John Piper's message on Wilberforce. It is excellent, and based primarily on Wilberforce's book "A Practical View of Christianity". It's free on Christian Audio.
http://christianaudio.com/product_info.php?products_id=353
Posted by: Brian | February 04, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Melinda,
I am part of the team that helped produce the movie Amazing Grace. While working on the film I also did a contemporary update of Wilberforce's book on the difference between authentic faith and cultural Christianity. It is called "Real Christianity" and is available under my name on Amazon. Thanks.
Bob Beltz
Posted by: Bob Beltz | February 04, 2008 at 09:16 AM