MOVIES: Amazing Grace

Audrey and I went on a date last night to see the newly released movie Amazing Grace. Go to the link that I posted here to watch the trailer and read about the movie. This movie is about the true story of William Wilberforce's journey of getting the English Parliament to abolish slavery and the slave trade in the entire British Empire.

Wilberforce is on a personal journey through the movie as he returns to his Christian faith that he was so committed to as a child in John Newton's church. John Newton was a slave trader who committed his life to Christ and quit the slave trade and became a pastor, he was Wilberforce's pastor as he grew up. Wilberforce was moved by his faith to believe that God created all men equal and that no man should own another. The turning point in the movie is when he comes back to his faith in God and is fully committed to it and wondering if he should quit being a Member of Parliament in order to serve the God he loved so dearly. Wilberforce's best friend, William Pitt, became Prime Minister. Newton tells him he has work to do for God as a Member of Parliament. Pitt brings him to meet some abolitionist friends who convince him that he can both serve God and be a member of Parliament by working towards the abolition of the slave trade. It is a long journey and a hard one but in the end Wilberforce's bill passes the House of Commons and slavery is abolished.

This movie moved me to tears almost the whole way through, especially whenever John Newton was in the scene. I highly recommend everyone go see it whether you are a Christian or not. The movie is very accurate as far as I can tell in its history. It spans the time of the American Revolution and French Revolution. Wilberforce's story is a great example of how someone can put their faith into action in their vocation and change the world. William Wilberforce is a world changer.

What is great about this movie is that Walden Media is on a campaign to abolish modern day slavery by raising awareness through this movie. Please sign the petition at the website and become an abolitionist.