John Piper did not attempt to add another biography of William Wilberforce’s life. He has instead probed to find the source of what motivated Wilberforce to spend his life for the abolition of slavery in Britain. Piper documented his source material effectively, demonstrating that he has read both primary and secondary literature and is able to point readers to where they also may find the treasured quotations of Wilberforce. Piper has made a unique contribution to the study of Wilberforce because he has directed the reader how to apply the lesson of this great man’s life and how to incorporate faith with practice. Wilberforce proves the success of faith infused politics.

It is essential to read biographical stories for more than inspiration; we must read with an ear to hear what they are attempting to teach us. Piper focuses the reader’s attention on the powerful motivating force that under-girded the legendary tenacity of Wilberforce, who spent his political career to secure the emancipation of the slaves of Great Britain. Piper leads the reader through repetitive probing to consider how the Christian faith of Wilberforce compelled him to endure failure and yet remain steadfast until he successfully transformed both parliament and the opinion of a nation.

The brevity of the book condenses the life story of William Wilberforce into an easy read of a couple hours. It contains sufficient information of his life and contribution, to enable one to be conversant of this man, without taxing the time of one who is too busy to read extensively. The essential highlights of his Christian witness emphasize the influence of his faith, in the realm of political legislation; this synthesis is central to Piper’s message. To read this book is to grasp quickly the basic story and moral influence that the faith of William Wilberforce had on the social injustice of slavery.

Reviewed by John R. Miller

Author’s page, where you may download eBook versions without cost (as of July 21, 2017): http://www.desiringgod.org/books/amazing-grace-in-the-life-of-william-wilberforce

 

This review was originally published on the Pneuma Foundation website on August 24, 2007. The Pneuma Foundation is the parent organization of PneumaReview.com.

Kevin Charles Belmonte, William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2007).

Renewed and worthy attention has come to the eighteenth century history-making British politician William Wilberforce, through the popular film Amazing Grace. Kevin Belmonte was the historical consultant for the film and in this book has given his readers a fresh biography on Wilberforce that focuses on his advancements of social justice and on his moral and political achievements. He has divided the segments of his presentation into the major themes of Wilberforce’s lifework, following each topic chronologically to its termination, and then backing up chronologically to pick up the thread of the next topic. The reader must wait until the latter part of the book before learning about Wilberforce’s endearing relationship with his own family. While this literary segmentation assists the reader to learn of his political accomplishments, it hinders the reader from seeing the humanity of Wilberforce as he strove to integrate family and vocational passions.

There can be no question that Wilberforce lived a life that is worth emulating. He did not hold his personal wealth to himself, but seemingly gave liberally to all who asked as well as regularly supporting worthy charities. He did not cloister himself to a life of ease or debase himself with the frivolous parties of high-society, but labored relentlessly to end the human suffering of slavery; he did this with the passion of one who had received a divine mandate. His conscience was not seared from the plight of those who were out of his natural sight. Wealth did not impress him and social ambition seemingly did not tempt him.

The emphasis that Belmonte made in his biography on Wilberforce is that which is the humanitarian effort of his political record, how Christian conviction influenced his political ambition and agenda. He highlighted the ethical obligation of Christians to be politically active and to advocate legislation for social justice. While the book tends to bog down in a few places, with too much detail and too many unfamiliar names and places for the average 21^st century reader, it remains significant to its essential message. Wilberforce continues to challenge us—“I will show you my faith by what I do” (James 2:18b NIV).

Reviewed by John R. Miller