WILBERFORCE

Amazing Grace

I've just been to see 'Amazing Grace' , a film about the efforts of William Wilberforce and his life long battle to abolish slavery in 19th century Britain. Year after year he presented his abolitionist bill to Westminster until at last it was accepted by a majority of M.P.'s and voted into law.Along the way Wilberforce was greatly influenced by his friendship with John Newton, himself a former slave master. Newton underwent a dramatic conversion to Christ and over a period of time the enormity of the awfulness of slavery became an acute cause of distress to him.He became a firm supporter of Wilberforce and the Abolitionists cause. Now, of course we remember Newton for that stirring hymn of testimony Amazing Grace, which he wrote.

The most memorable lines in the film are when Newton declares to Wilberforce..."I only know two things for certain,that I am a great sinner, and Jesus is a great Saviour!"

The film also concenterates on Wilberforces own spiritual awakening, and how his faith propelled his lifelong crusade for justice and equality for all people and indeed for every creature! As well as his long campaign to outlaw slavery,Wilberforce also fought for the rights of English workers and founded the R.S.P.C.A. to protect animals against neglect and cruelty.

The film portrayal of this fierce crusader shows him in all his humanity and frailty, yet tireless in his pursuit of what he considered right and just.

At one point in his early political life Wilberforce was faced with an apparent dilemna,could a man of faith also become a man of politics ? Quickly however a group of radical churchmen rallied around him and showed him that sometimes to effect real change , the man of faith must become involved in politics to inject Gods values into a society. Once Wilberforce was clear on his mission, he continued this course to the end of his life.

'Amazing Grace' challenges anyone who sees themselves as people of faith into this question.."What am I prepared to do in my world to make a difference for others?" We are being challenged on many fronts to 'do our bit'...for the environment...for the worlds poor...for peace in war torn lands...for social equality in our own country etc,. While this film doesnt make any of those choices easier to make, it does encourage us in our individual response, as we follow the long and lasting differences that were made by one passionate man under God.

I left the cinema deeply moved by the evil of the slave trade and inspired by the achievements of Wilberforce in the face of huge opposition. It also made me do a stock -take of my own less than inspiring life ! Not many 'entertainments' nowadays can raise those kind of questions and for that reason alone it should be seen, and with Gods grace the awkward questions raised must be answered.

Gerard O'Shea