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Amazing GraceFilm Review AMAZING GRACE is an uplifting film about William Wilberforce, an Evangelical Christian and British parliamentarian, who fought for the abolition of the African slave trade and against slavery. The story behind the well-loved and famous hymn, Amazing Grace, forms the backdrop to Wilberforce’s war against this evil. William Wilberforce’s life is an inspiring example of courage and perseverance to those Christians who It was indeed amazing grace that enabled William Wilberforce to persevere in campaigning against slavery and the abolition of the slave trade throughout the British Empire. The film shows Wilberforce’s battles with his weak constitution and chronic pain, his struggles with laudanum (a medicinal form of opium), and the fierce opposition he faced in Parliament. The film also depicts how Wilberforce’s wife was a great source of encouragement to him, especially throughout the lowest points in his life. In his book, Amazing Grace In the Life of William Wilberforce, John Piper sums up Wilberforce’s life-long battle well: “The battle consumed almost 46 years of his life (from 1787 to 1833). The defeats and setbacks along the way would have caused the ordinary politician to embrace a more popular cause. Though he never lost a parliamentary election from age 21 to 65, the cause of abolishing the slave trade was defeated 11 times before its passage in 1807. And the battle for abolishing slavery itself did not gain the decisive victory until three days before he died in 1833.” This film encouraged me that we too can mobilize thousands of people in support of Christian causes. It encouraged me not to give up in the fight against abortion and pornography, or in the campaign for legislation to protect the pre-born and the family. A day will come when abortion, like slavery, will not only be illegal, but unthinkable. Wilberforce’s team of abolition activists, the “Clapham Circle”, provide an excellent example of a grassroots Christian Action group. They published books, organized meetings, distributed leaflets and lapel pins and organized boycotts. Without the foundations of grassroots activism laid by the Clapham Circle, it is doubtful if Wilberforce’s bill would ever have passed. It was John Newton, a former slave-trader-turned-pastor who penned the words to the hymn Amazing Grace. Unfortunately, the film does not adequately portray the enormous influence Newton had on Wilberforce as a Christian in persuading him to remain in politics and to serve the Lord in that calling. The eminent minister William Jay of Bath described John Newton as the most Christian man he ever met. Yet, the film portrays Newton as a bit of doddering old man. The film does however, include the wonderful words near the end of Newton’s life: "I have learned two things - that I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour." “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 The AMAZING GRACE film will be released in South African cinemas on 8 June 2007. The film is brought to South Africa by GLOBAL CREATIVE STUDIOS (who also brought us the Faith Like Potatoes film). Global Creative Studios are committed to telling stories that inspire (gcs@globalcreative.co.za; www.globalcreative.co.za). Taryn Hodgson See also: Contact:
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are concerned about the moral evils destroying society.
AMAZING GRACE is captivating to watch and inspiring in its testimony. The content and acting is family-friendly and deserves commendation.