How to use Wilberforce?

The film Amazing Grace which tells the story of William Wilberforce and his fight against slavery is about to come out in Britain as we go to press.

It looks as if it will be a movie which will stir up conversation, not only about the injustice of the slave trade two centuries ago, but also with regard to the nature of true Christianity.

It is interesting to see how the anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade is being used by various groups. Apart from the right use of the events of history to point out the sin of racism, it also has an apologetic mileage. In his book Abolition! Richard Reddie says during the late 18th and early 19th century Britain underwent a religious revival... At the same time as Britain was forming abolition committees, France was in the first throes of revolutionary fervour, making protestations about liberty, equality and fraternity. However, France’s involvement in the anti-slavery movement comes a poor second to Britain’s and I would argue that the lack of a clear religious dimension to France was the reason for this lack of activity.’