The Amazing Grace of Freedom: The Inspiring Faith of William Wilberforce

by Ted Baehr, Ken Wales, Susan Wales

In spring 2007, Walden Media will be releasing the motion picture Amazing Grace which features the life of William Wilberforce and his 30-year fight to abolish slavery in England. Film producer Ken Wales has now teamed with Ted Baehr of MOVIEGUIDE and author Susan Wales to create a lavish, full-color book about the enduring legacy and powerful faith of Wilberforce. Filled with exciting historical details, this exciting book takes an indepth look at the life, times, and faith of this incredible man including essays from leading scholars demonstrating the tremendous impact of Wilberforce in his own time and in ours. Learn about the fascinating behind the scenes story of the six-year effort to see the film completed by its producer, Ken Wales, as well as enjoy the most comprehensive treatment of Wilberforce on the market including character sketches, contemporary commentaries, and images from the exciting film Amazing Grace.

Genres: History, Christian, Nonfiction, Biography

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Ted Baehr is the founder and Chairman of The Christian Film & Television Commission™ and Publisher of MOVIEGUIDE®, aka http://www.movieguide.org, a family guide to entertainment. An award-winning media authority often on television, radio and print, his purpose is to be used by God to redeem the mass media and to encourage families to use wisdom in selecting their entertainment. His many books include How To Succeed In Hollywood (Without Losing Your Soul), The Media-Wise Family, Narnia Beckons, Faith In God & Generals, The Amazing Grace Of Freedom, and The Culture-Wise Family, among many others. For more information, please visit www.movieguide.org.

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting summary of Wilberforce's life but not a biography. A collection of essays from various contributors resulted in a fair amount of duplication. The basic facts were restated over and over making the reading sometimes tedious. His accomplishments were world changing and worthy of celebration on the 200th anniversary.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspiring book of the commitment of people to correct principles, to love, to understanding, to acceptance.

I cannot believe all I am learning from this book. Of great interest were the two great obsessions of William Wilberforce:
(1) abolishing the slave trade and (2) the reform of manners, morals, and decency, as well as a return to civility in society.

We need to remember, "Do we just live for ourselves?" I sure hope not.

"Jesus Christ calls us to aspire to excellence in every area of our lives-faith, family, friendship, and career."

"If we do not do the work that God has given us to do . . . then who will do it?"

"What will you do with the gifts you've been given? Will yo put them in a drawer and pursue a confortable life? Of will you choose to defy the odds, step out and confront the injustice in the world? Many choose mediocrity because it's easier than reaching for greatness. My prayer is that you will internalize the life of William Wilberforce and make a difference in your world, whoever and wherever you are."

William Pitt to William Wilberforce:

"I wish I had you faith!"

Oh my gosh, what a book.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a wonderful book about both the life of William Wilberforce and some of his compatriots and abolitionists as well as the making of the movie Amazing Grace (which is a dramatic telling of his trials and successes of the abolition of the slave trade and slavery in Britain), it has some grammatical mistakes and some information is repeated multiple times.
I would recommend this book as an introduction to the British abolition movement to anyone who is interested.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the movie and I loved the book - so historical and amazingly apalling while still being inspiring.