Amazing Grace - The Movie
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AMAZING GRACE - THE MOVIE
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The movie will be released to theatres on Friday, February 23. It portrays the story of two outstanding figures in English history, John Newton and William Wilberforce.
Newton’s name is but an asterisk in secular history, known mostly as the writer of the memorable Christian hymn Amazing Grace. To me his story is highly inspirational. He was a major slave trader, transporting thousands of human cargo to the West Indies to exchange for goods to be sold in England. Of his own estimation, over 20,000 Africans died in result of his brutal efforts. Along the way, Newton experienced amazing grace. His ship encountered a great storm and as it was about to sink, in his desperation captain Newton cried out to God for mercy. When the storm subsided, he began to consider that perhaps there was a God. Henceforth he would look back to that fateful event as the turning point in his life. Newton could no longer participate in the bartering of human lives. He returned to England and prepared for the ministry. For the rest of his life he was a popular preacher and pastor, constantly emphasizing the mercy and love of God.
A member of his congregation was a young and ambitious statesman named William Wilberforce. He was most interested in political power and advancement. Then, on a long trip across England, he learned of the gospel of Jesus Christ and experienced a spiritual awakening. He began to consider in earnest how he could best apply his faith to his life- perhaps, he thought, God wanted for him a life of solitude. Pastor Newton knew better. He counselled the young Wilberforce to use his considerable skills to put an end to the slave trade. He spoke of the mission of Esther from the Old Testament, encouraging the statesman with the words of Mordecai, “…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)”. Wilberforce went on to mount a long, lonely, and persistent campaign to end in England not only the slave trade, but slavery itself. He spent his health and his life for such mission. One year after his death, slavery was officially outlawed.Such themes, I would think, could present a compelling story on film. And for myself as a Christian, I am excited about what should be a positive portrayal of the very best of the Christian message. This would include:
*God’s forgiveness and love for even the chiefest of sinners
*The power of the gospel to fundamentally transform a human life
*How the love and power of God is to be channelled, through human instruments, to similarly impact the world
Here is a link to check out the film: Amazing Grace: The Movie It includes video clips. I am especially moved by the clip entitled “Dinner At Clapham”, where the hesitating Wilberforce is shown the shackles and scars of a slave. Also impressive is the clip of a conversation with an aged and blind Newton, who says, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour.”
