Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Amazing Grace

I finally had a chance to see Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce's 20 year battle against the English slave trade. It was recently released on DVD.

I really enjoyed it and think it's a "must see" for all believers as we seek to be in the world, but not of it. We so need this reminder that God wants to use us just where He's sent us. I particularly enjoyed the touching scenes with John Newton.

I came away asking myself, "What am I investing my life in and am I willing to persevere for 20+ years in the face of opposition and few results?"

Have you seen the movie? What were your impressions and take-aways?

BTW, I want to also recommend The Nativity Story this Christmas season. Saw it last year and will watch it again with my kids this year. Makes the Christ story come to life in a way that is, for the most part, true to the Scriptures.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree it's a must see movie.

I loved the line: "I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior."

It was easy to recognize the Lord Jesus working in and through Wilberforce's life. It challenged me to desire and pray that I would be more compassionate and hospitable. Not sure about letting rabbits into our home though...

I thank God for a good movie like this - but it would have been even better had they not toned down Wilberforce’s Christianity.

Anonymous said...

I felt that the content and the cinematography were good, but they were obscured by poor story-telling.

All the transitions between present and past were very confusing to me. I liked the same line that Allen cited.

Do you suppose Newton really struggled with the guilt for that many years? I guess I can't really be one to judge, but it seems that for him to carry the guilt for so long is antithetical to the song for which he is so famous. I guess it's possible, but it seems that if he really felt that much guilt, he really didn't understand the "Amazing Grace" about which he wrote.

Kate said...

I really liked this movie as well and would love to see it again. Another that I really recommend is Luther.
I love it when I can watch a movie and walk away without feeling that I just wasted the past 2 hours on silly entertainment. I love movies that make me want to make a difference for the kingdom, or even for humanity.

Clyde said...

big fan along with the Luther, if you haven't seen that, it's epic.