A review of the movie telling the story of William Wilberforce, who championed the end of slavery in Britain.
According to the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace," clergyman John Newton, God often does His work with a gentle drizzle, instead of storms and flashes of lightning. Newton (played by Albert Finney) was a reformed slave ship captain who knew firsthand the evils of this trade. He spent the last half of his life trying to find forgiveness in Christ Jesus from the "20,000 ghosts" of the Africans he had carried on his ship. As a mentor to William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd), he encouraged him to fight this evil in society and not stop until it was done.
Wilberforce actually considered leaving politics early on. According to this movie, he felt that God had found him and that he should serve God with his life. He wanted to use his "voice" — also known as outstanding abilities at debate and oration and strong charisma — to serve God. In the end, he was convinced that he could serve God as a politician and work for change in society. And boy, did he!
Before going to see this film, I must admit that I knew nothing about William Wilberforce. A huge gap in my lengthy, expensive education, to be sure. I never realized that Britain managed to outlaw slavery long before America, and without requiring brother to kill brother through a civil war. Wilberforce is credited with this accomplishment, and it took him nearly 20 years. Definitely a slow drizzle, but an effective one.
Entering the House of Commons as a member of Parliament at the age of 21, he gave his "youth and health" to the anti-slavery cause because he felt that it was a divine calling. But Wilberforce is also credited with founding the National Gallery (of Art) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), along with work for education and other social reforms. He used the talents that God gave to him tirelessly.
That is all God asks of each of us — to use what we do best to bring harmony and peace to the world. I feel an affinity with Wilberforce, because I also feel that God found me and gave me a calling. Mine, along with other Christian Science healers, also involves an anti-slavery campaign.
That may sound melodramatic, but to anyone who is fighting a serious illness or life-trouble, "slavery" is a pretty accurate word. I know because I've been there — in slavery to a sick body and unable to live life freely. The truth of my spiritual nature as a child of God is what freed me and led me to the desire to help others find the same freedom.
My mentor, Mary Baker Eddy , even though she is speaking to me across the decades through her writing, related this understanding of Truth (another way of referring to God) to the abolition of slavery of all kinds.
Truth brings the elements of liberty. On its banner is the Soul-inspired motto, "Slavery is abolished." The power of God brings deliverance to the captive. No power can withstand divine Love. ... What is it that binds man with iron shackles to sin, sickness, and death? Whatever enslaves man is opposed to the divine government. Truth makes man free.
With slavery of any kind, it may seem like we are fighting other people or our own bodies, but the battle is really always on the level of thought. It is changing the understanding of what the rights of man are. It is knowing that all men have the divine right to be free from slavery of every sort — mental and physical — no matter what would try to hold him in bondage.
Wilberforce needed to change the mental climate in Parliament and in England before he could succeed with his campaign. He chipped away at it bit by bit through appealing to the humanity of the people.
Freedom from the slavery of sickness is no different. When the mental climate of the world changes and humankind truly understands that God, good, is the only creator — and that disease is no part of that creation — many more people will find their prayers for health successful. They will find freedom from enslavement to pharmaceutical regimens. They will find the harmony and peace that divine Love is pouring on us all through His amazing grace each and every day. They will accept the glorious liberty of the children of God, and be free! I've witnessed this mental war being won, battle by battle, in my own healing practice, so I know it is possible.
This movie is a glorious example of what one person can do to change the world, and a must-see for every lover of cinema with a spiritual message. It certainly gives Wilberforce his due, but it will also hopefully inspire others to continue the fight to uplift society mentally and let us live daily under the divine directive to love our neighbor as ourselves. It's not just about Christianity, it's about living the life that God has created us to live. All men and women. Created equal. Created good. It's time for the world to see this and experience it.
It is estimated that nearly 27 million people still live in slavery — today, right now. That is just a staggering number, and may be inconceivable to those of us sitting in front of computers and living with the conveniences of the modern world. Yet, here in Houston a forced labor ring was just raided — only a few miles from my home. It seems unbelievable, but there it is in the pages of my local newspaper. Slavery. In 2007!
There is still a battle to be fought to overcome those who would continue to oppress their brothers and sisters — a battle to change world thought on every level of oppression. We must honor the memory of men like William Wilberforce and continue to fight until everyone can express their God-given right to live free.
Originally posted on www.religionandspirituality.com . Meg Welch Dendler is an avid moviegoer, always on the lookout for a uplifting, spiritual message. She'll tell you when she's successful and warn you when to save your money. Meg is in the public practice of Christian Science healing just outside Houston, Texas, where she lives with her busy family, three cats and a dog, Max. You can reach Meg to comment on this piece or suggest a movie for review at
