A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System: ?of Professed Christians in the Higher and Middle Classes in this Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity

by William Wilberforce

Renowned abolitionist William Wilberforce turns his gifts of wit and analysis to the Christian faith, revealing and discussing differences between cultural and practical Christians. Wilberforce is eager to draw a distinction between those who merely follow the traditions and motions of Christianity as a matter of formality - so-called 'cultural Christians' - and those who actively seek to behave and lead life in a Christian manner. For the author, this means strict adherence to a moral code, and backing one's faith up with consistent action that is righteous and clearly inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Real Christianity, claims Wilberforce, is altogether less common than the inauthentic and hollow 'cultural Christianity' that pervades society. Optimistically however, Wilberforce believes that anyone born in a Christian society can with effort and will become practical Christians.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Religion, History

194 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1797

About the author

William Wilberforce was an MP, a committed Christian and a vanguard in the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. He campaigned all his life, despite opposition and ill health and championed reform in many areas of society. He was founder of the Church Mission Society and what would later come to be known as the RSPCA.

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

 After reading this book, I heard the song, Amazing Grace. The thought which I had was, what does a man do with the life and love God has given to him? This is the depth of question which this book raises in a reader.

There are many versions of this book, such as the Real Christianity, edited by James Houston. I read the version from 1797. Consequently, it is a harder read than the more modern, sometimes having references and mannerisms more with the times. On the other hand, once I started getting into the book, I believe there was a richness which modern speak does not posses.

It is amazing to see how the conditions in Wilberforce's England, in a lot of ways parallel those of modern America. I do not believe that we are as obnoxious towards evangelical Christians as the English was then. But we are on that road. But in many ways we are like the people Wilberforce wrote this book for—those who claim the name Christian, but do not take the actions of Christ. In this way, the book is convicting. How Wilberforce asks do we love Jesus? Do we act how Jesus would—not quite the original WWJD, but could very well be.

This book will be up there to read, particularly as a devotional. It is to be used as a devotional to lead me to a changed life, which is Wilberforce's intent. It is a book which causes me to search myself and see how I am in my following of Christ. It is this dependence on pardon which drives a real Christian's life. This leads to gratitude and love, not sin and decadence. (97, 99) The title of Christian is given, not earned nor can it be inherited.

To read my full review, take a look at my book blog at: http://garys-books.blogspot.com/2013/... (warning, this is a long one)

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Practical View of Christianity is William Wilberforce's treatise on what exactly makes a person a Christian and contrasting it with what many people claim to be Christianity.


His main attack is against Cultural Christianity and he spares no words describing the duplicity and hypocrisy of his day by church-going people who show no respect for the authority of God as revealed through His written Word.


His arguments are highly relevant for today since there exists a profound Biblical illiteracy among too many Christians who seem to be ignorant as to how to conduct their lives in a manner that honors God.


While I determinedly plowed through this book with its original manuscript, I highly recommend reading a version with updated language. Wilberforce is extremely wordy and he takes a long time expressing his ideas, as brilliant as they are.

[Robert Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good analysis of cultural vs real, or authentic, Christianity. Very basic and straightforward.
A couple of helpful points: first, his repeated explanations of total depravity and total reliance on Christ to reconcile us. Second, that our love for God is not to be a cold lifeless thing, but a passionate love that drives us to action. And finally, that when we become aware of offending God, that our love for him and desire to enter back into communion with him should spur us to repent immediately, no moping around - the point is not self flagellation but to restore the relationship with God by true repentance and dependence on Christ. Repent sincerely and restore quickly.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the wording is dated, the message of this book is as relevant today as it was with Wilberforce wrote it.

[Tom Creek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Wilberforce exposes just about every way you can be a fraud of a Christian, and why real Christianity is so much better.

Particularly found challenging and helpful the bit on viewing a good reputation in life:

“Credit and reputation are, in the eyes of the Christian, akin to riches. He will neither prize nor desire and pursue them, but if they are allotted to him by the hand of Providence he will accept them thankfully and use them with moderation. He will relinquish them when necessary, without a murmur. While in themselves acceptable because of the weakness of his nature, they are highly dangerous possessions to be valued, not as a means to luxury or splendour, but as a way to bring honour to his Saviour and to alleviate some of man’s sorrows.”

[Some Christian Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written over 200 years ago, but it could have been written today.

I had no idea that society had already begun such a sharp decline in real Christianity so long ago. It hasn’t stopped but has only gained momentum as the years have gone on.

In this book, William Wilberforce asks:

“What would happen were faith to vanish from our nation? This should be the question every prudent individual should ponder. The church as we know it, with all its flaws and inconsistencies, would cease to exist. How can anyone think such an outcome would be anything other than disastrous for society? What impact would this have on the moral fiber of the common person? The restraint against moral deviation would be greatly lowered. Where would people who desire to change their lives and live in relationship with God and according to His teachings go? Who would be examples of the kind of lives we should live? What would become of the heritage handed down by the church through the centuries? How would we avoid a degenerate posterity? To what depth might public morality sink? It is probably good that such a society could not last for long. When the cement that has held a nation together no longer exists, the state soon dissolves into anarchy.”

Unfortunately, we now know the answers to his questions.

This book is a call to all professed Christian’s back to true, Biblical Christianity. A call back to loving God with all our hearts, minds and souls.

[Lindie Botes ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given the dated language and wordy nature of this book, it took me a while to get through it and I skimmed over a few parts near the end where I found Wilberforce repeating himself a few times. That aside, this book has served as a good reminder for me to continue growing in my faith with zeal and discernment. Though written for an audience 200-ish years ago, many of the ideas are still directly applicable to today's church. Much of the book focuses on the behavior of lukewarm, nominal Christians and is a warning and encouragement to strive towards zealous, practical and tangible Christianity.

[Jason Garwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still relevant today!

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. Puts words to so many things I've thought over the years in a way that is challenging yet encouraging. Plus, it was a gift from my parents-in-law, so I have to like it!

It's eerie how many parallels there are between the England that Wilberforce writes about and the upper middle class American world that I live in today--he could have easily been writing today.

As I read this, I am convinced that there are many ways that the world has tempted me to abandon God as my first/only pursuit, yet I have a strong sense of hope that God will be faithful as I turn back to him.

I'll caution you that he makes some pretty strong claims about the state of Christianity, and you may feel that he is being too extreme... I have long been personally convinced, however, that Christianity is a religion of extremism: extreme good, but a good that can only be achieved by complete surrender. This is no self-help book... it simply asks you to recognize your total lack of hope without mercy/grace... and to rejoice that you have been given it!

I feel like this review has not done the book justice. Perhaps I'll rewrite it the next time I read it. In the meantime, if you're feeling like there's something "missing" in your relationship with Jesus, this is a great kick in the pants.

[Glory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book for anyone claiming to be Christian. It strikes the heart of the issue and tells us who profess this faith to reevaluate what it means to be Christian. Namely, it is not just being a moral person. Morality has no value without the sense of God's justice that gives it a foundation. It is not just going to church and talking the talk. Christianity is not an external faith, not a hat you can slap on every Sunday. No -- "Christianity is a religion of motives and principles" (Hannah Moore, quoted in Real Christianity).

William Wilberforce is tough and specific. He states without fanfare, but with understanding, the crux of society's problem -- its denial of God and the Christian faith. It's incredible that his idea, published in 1797, can sound so new and relevant. The modernization of language by Bob Beltz is nicely done, though I've not read the original to compare.

The insights in this book are too many to mention. Read it with an open, honest heart and do not put its words to waste, lest you become as Wilberforce so painfully fears -- a "Christian" who doesn't want to really believe what he professes, a "good person" whose character will crumble and die when the hard forces of life beset him.

Live you life knowing, as Wilberforce states, that "life is short – eternity is forever!"

[Erin]

I was so moved by "Amazing Grace" I'm gobbling up as much information about William Wilberforce. I really want to understand his worldview from the man himself and how someone who cared for the poor and underpriveleged, while being so priveleged himself, managed to remain faithful. Unlike so many before and after him, he did not start out well and then get enraptured by wealth, greed, fame and self-interest. His heart was unwavering in his devotion to issues of social justice.

He was also no pedestrian, peeking in on the sufferings of others. I know too many people who find traveling to poor countries, a chance to enrich themselves. Befriending people who have hard jobs working in the inner city just to admire their fortitude, but not possessing any of their own. I'm really inspired by the singular drive he had to please God, even resisting marriage, unwilling to accessorize himself with anything that would hold him back or encumber his mission.

He and his wife were a good pairing, both passionate about his purpose. I wonder about men without purpose. What are they about?

[Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a paraphrase put together by Dr. Bob Beltz, so do not expect to read Wilberforce’s original work. However, Beltz does an excellent job at bringing the older English into the modern and grabbing the main ideas that Wilberforce expresses. One should not be discouraged from reading this, but perhaps supplementing this with the original.

[Jordan Treece · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf for a couple years and was excited to finally get to it. When I started the introduction I realized I had ignored the cover saying that this was a "revised and updated" version of Wilberforce's actual book. Actually it's more like a paraphrase. I read the first chapter but felt like I was missing out on something. I came here to hear from Wilberforce, not Bob Beltz. So instead I found the real original version on my wife's Kindle.

I'm not knocking what Beltz did, because Wilberforce could definitely use some paraphrasing. But maybe just not so much. From time to time I went back and opened up the modern version just to see how Bob was treating it while I read the real version. I found that things were very much watered down. I took note of just one example from chapter 1:

Where Wilberforce said (about people who don't bother to study the Bible and Christian teaching despite a wealth of resources) : "How great must be the guilt, and how aweful the punishment of voluntary ignorance!"

Beltz turns it into: "I have to wonder what God thinks of our voluntary ignorance of these matters."

The same basic idea is there, but all the bite, all the spirit, is washed out. And it's a shame because Wilberforce had a lot of bite and spirit.

As for actual review of the book's content (the real book), it's enough to say that Wilberforce's greatness and genius shines through constantly, even if brevity wasn't a priority for writers in his day.

[Rod Innis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. The author was a British politician that labored all his political life for the abolition of the slave trade and then for the abolition of slavery itself. He was greatly used by God in that endeavor.
This book is not about the slave trade at all but about the decline in the true practice of their faith that he was observing in the lives of those claiming to be Christian. He knew well the teachings of God's word about the evidence of genuine faith in the life of a Christian. Where it was lacking, he called on his readers to examine themselves to see if they were truly in the faith.
It was written in 1797, so it is quite an old book. He was a politician who spent most of his adult life making speeches. In some ways, it reads like a speech. The author uses an amazing robust vocabulary. I read it in the kindle version which is very helpful when the author uses so many words that I am not sure of the meaning. I just touch the word and its meaning pops up on the screen.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

While hard to follow at times and archaic in style, Wilberforce addresses the issue of nominal Christianity from an evangelical standpoint. He marshals many deep insights on the gospel and humanity, drawing on a thoughtful reading of many Puritan authors and preachers. Chapter six pivots from addressing nominal Christianity to the affect of Christianity on the public square (the lessening of which comes from the rise of nominal Christianity). Finally, chapter seven provides a number of clear, practical insights for evangelical Christians. I found the book robustly helpful on a number of fronts, albeit dated. The work calls for a thoroughgoing abridgment and updating, perhaps in the form of a modern re-casting of Wilberforce's arguments. This work is particularly valuable in regions where Christian nominalism is the currency of the realm. In post-Christian or pre-Christian areas, readers will likely find the work of lesser value.

[Carl Palmateer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modernized version with footnotes and bibliography it is amazing how little has changed. Written as Britain was going through the libertine years of the Regency as a call to a better life and a better society. Wilberforce castigated, not the non Christians, but those who claimed to be by adopting certain outward practices, (civil behavior, church attendance, public piety) while lacking any substance or true belief. Calling for a reform of society by the Christians he did not fall into the error of the 1980's evangelicals by trying to mandate legal remedies and proscriptions. He called first on the Christians to be Christians, not Pharisees, and after reforming themselves then to reform society.

A good book with interesting ideas that could still be applicable today.

[Nick Emond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty simple and straightforward book. Compares “Real Christianity” with “Cultural Christianity” and fleshes that out in real life. Very easy to read and nice length. Repetitive at times, but I think it’s necessary to get the point across.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some amazing parts in this book as well as pieces that were incredibly timely for our world now. However, it wasn’t easy reading and felt like reading essays meant to compel an audience from a different time (which is just what it was). Yes, there was a section on why society should give up duels. I was hoping for the inspirational high of the movie, but that wasn’t what this was.

[Tim Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent read. William Wilberforce’s challenge for authentic Christianity still rings true today.

[Travis Bow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little like reading the constitution, but after getting used to the language I found dozens of passages to underline and return to. Wilberforce's criticism of "nominal Christianity" in his day rings pretty true for today.

[The first few chapters outline Wilberforce's theology, and I couldn't quite get on board with his stance on original sin and total depravity, though his position was moderated some throughout the book.]

The rest of the book argues against specific pitfalls that many Christians fall into. These were thought-provoking and on-point.
He begins by contending that our emotions should be brought into line with our religion, not destroyed as enemies.

The affectations are regarded as the strong-holds of enthusiasm. It is therefore judged most expedient to act, as prudent generals are used to do, when they raze the fortress, or spike up the cannon, which are likely to fall into the hands of an enemy... Christianity, we might hope, would not be driven to any such wretched expedients... It is her peculiar glory, and her main office, to bring all the faculties of our nature into their just subordination and dependence; that so the whole man, complete in all his functions, may be restored to the true ends of his being, and be devoted, entire and harmonious, to the service and glory of God. "My son, give me thine heart"-"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart:-Such are the direct and comprehensive claims which are made on us in the holy Scriptures. We can scarcely indeed look into any part of the sacred volume without meeting abundant proofs, that it is the religion of the Affections which God particularly requires. Love, Zeal, Gratitude, Joy, Hope, Trust, are each of them specified; and are not allowed to us as weaknesses, but enjoined on us as our bounded duty, and commended to us as our acceptable worship.

You should endeavour not only to convince the understanding, but also to affect the heart; and for this end, you must secure the reinforcement of the passions.

He then goes on to spend considerable time on how casually we tend to regard our own sin and the grace of God.

Let us labour then to affect our hearts with a deep conviction of our need of a Redeemer, and of the value of his offered mediation

Or, as the song says, "Two wonders I confess: the wonders of his glorious love and my own worthlessness."
The next section - and maybe the most convicting one - tries to debunk 'inadequate conceptions concerning the nature and strictness of practical Christianity.' Anything that draws our heart more than God is an idol, and we are idolaters if we allow anything else to "hold the chief place in our esteem and affections."
We cannot be complacent:

...being conscious that we are not giving into any flagrant vice, perhaps that we are guilty of no irregularity, and it may be, that we are not neglecting the offices of Religion, we persuade ourselves that we need not be uneasy. In the main we do not fall below the general standard of morals... we may therefore allow ourselves to glide down the stream without apprehension of the consequences.

Thus business and pleasure fill up our time, and the "one thing needful," is forgotten... personal advancement or the acquisition of wealth is the object of our supreme desires and predominant pursuit.

Idleness, profusion, thoughtlessness, and dissipation, the misapplication of time or of talents, the trifling away of life in frivolous occupations or unprofitable studies; all these things we may regret in those around us, in the view of their temporal effects; but they are not considered in a religious connection, or lamented as endangering everlasting happiness. Excessive vanity and inordinate ambition are spoken of as weaknesses rather than as sins.

Instead, he encourages a better state for a Christian:

Are they busied in studying the word of God, in meditating on his perfections... admiring his works...? Does the instruction of their families, or of the more poor and ignorant of their neighbours, possess its due share of their time? If blessed with talents or with affluence, are they sedulously employing a part of this interval of leisure in relieving the indigent, and visiting the sick, and comforting the sorrowful, in forming plans for the good of their fellow-creatures, in considering how they may promote both the temporal and spiritual benefit of their friends and acquaintance...?

He speaks of the dangers of being thought well of as similar to the dangers of riches; something to be accepted with thankfulness, but treated with wariness as something dangerous to one's spiritual welfare and used for the good of the kingdom.

The true Christian... endeavours to acquire and maintain a just conviction of his great unworthiness; and to keep in continual remembrance, that whatever distinguishes himself from others, is not properly his own, but that he is altogether indebted for it to the undeserved bounty of heaven.

He shows how God wants our actions with right motives, not as mechanical service.

What husband, or what father, not absolutely dead to every generous feeling, would be satisfied with a wife or a child; who, though he could not charge them with any actual breach of their respective obligations, should yet confessedly perform them from a cold sense of duty, in place of the quickening energies of conjugal, and filial affection? What an insult would it be to such an one, to tell him gravely that he had no reason to complain!

we ought never to forget how strongly we are enjoined to be candid and liberal in judging of the motives of others, while we are strict in scrutinizing and severe in questioning our own.

He decries the attitude of doing the bare minimum, of excusing every action not explicitly forbidden and refusing everything not explicitly required.

Love outruns the deductions of reasoning; it scorns the refuge of casuistry; it requires not the slow process of laborious and undeniable proof that an action would be injurious and offensive, or another beneficial or gratifying, to the object of affection. The least hint, the slightest surmise, is sufficient to make it start from the former, and fly with eagerness to the latter.

He spends a long section that I covered in stars and underlines calling us to real philanthropy (as opposed giving from excess, that which does not curtail our luxury or put us to any trouble), and to real charitableness of attitude:

Are we slow to believe any thing to our neighbour's disavantage? and when we cannot but credit it, are we disposed rather to cover... than to divulge or aggravate it? ... If we have recommended to any one a particular line of conduct, or have pointed out the probable mischiefs of the opposite course, and if our admonishions have been neglected, are we really hurt when our predictions of evil are accomplished?

A section on Christianity's effect on the state of a nation is less relevant for today in the US, but a section on selflessness is particularly convicting.

It might indeed, be almost stated as the main object and chief concern of Christianity, to root our our natural selfishness... Benevolence, enlarged, vigorous, operative benevolence, is her master principle. Moderation in temporal pursuits and enjoyments, comparative indifference to the issue of worldly projects, diligence in the discharge of personal and civil duties, resignation to the will of God, and patience under all the dispensations of his Providence, are among her daily lessons... the objects, about which worldly men conflict so eagerly, are not worth the contest...

He speaks accurately of how we need real maturity, not simply conforming to the worldly expectations of someone in our age and station.

We thus mistake our merely outgrowing our vices, or our relinquishing them from some change in our worldly circumstances, for a thorough, or at least for a sufficient, reformation...

He concludes showing that we should not give in to the common, "well, I'm a pretty decent person" fallacy. We are not to be satisfied with anything less than actually seeking to love God with our full minds and hearts and striving earnestly for his favor in all aspects of our lives.

It belongs to this desire of pleasing God, that we should be continually solicitous to discover the path of duty; that we should not indolently wait, satisfied with not refusing occasions of glorifying God, when they are forced upon us; but that we should pray to God for wisdom and spiritual understanding, that we may be, acute in discerning opportunities of serving him in the world, and judicious in selecting and wise in approving them.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though first published almost two-and-a-quarter centuries ago, William Wilberforce's (of British abolitionist fame) words are as pertinent as ever. His Practical View... of Christianity is, well, ever-practical, and chock full of scripture-based exhortations and cultural observations and concerns--many of which, if it weren't for the noticeable difference from how we write now, you'd think were written directly in response to our own contemporary culture. (Truly, there is "nothing new under the sun.")

His purpose in writing, he tells the reader in his introduction, is not to provide an apologetic defense for the skeptic or to convince an opponent of Christianity. It is, rather, to "point out the scanty and erroneous system" of those individuals who claim to be Christians but have lost the bubble on orthodoxy--to distinguish between the "nominal" Christians and the "real" or "true" Christians.

Two traits that he discusses over and over again as he encourages the self-professed Christian to examine the root of their religion as they work out their faith "with fear and trembling" are selflessness and humility, both of which come from a transformed heart. In a particularly moving passage he states, "true Christians consider themselves not as satisfying some rigorous creditor, but as discharging a debt of gratitude." Service and obedience to God, which result in selflessness and humility toward one's "neighbors," flows from a transformed, and grateful heart.

As a Christian, it would be easy to read this book and think, "Wow, can you believe what this guy is describing!? It's a good thing I'm a 'real' Christian and not like that 'nominal' Christian over there." I believe a more fruitful way to read, however, would be with the attitude of the tax collector in Jesus' parable in Luke 18:9-14, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

The book is dense, not because of content difficulty, but because the language is so different from modern writing and it takes a lot of focus to stay attentive. However, the thoughtful reader will be much-rewarded by a thorough reading of the text. Overall, a very good read. I would count it among my recommendations for non-scriptural "required reading at some point for all Christians" canon.

[Shaela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh...I admit that I skimmed through vast swaths of this book. Very wordy. I should have known from the paragraph-long title. He takes five pages to convey a two sentence idea. But, pretty typical of a 19th century literary style.

As for actual content, he makes some excellent points and his lament of nominal Christianity is illuminating for Western culture today, and gives one some thought provoking historical perspective. A few points I disagreed with; namely, a few definitive statements he makes to the effect that women are inherently more spiritual/religious than men....?? What the heck. That seems self-evidently false to me (not to mention is nowhere to be found in Scripture). But again, that is also typical of sentimental Victorian thought.

I think I'm gonna just stick with honoring William Wilberforce for his heroic work in ending the slave trade in England and not for his literary contributions. All in all, not a total waste of time as I gleaned some historical insight, but, honestly, the only reason I finished it was because I had logged it on my Goodreads list and couldn't bear to leave it unfinished.

[Frank Peters · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a serious book that is filled with ideas worth thinking about. It is also a book that I found unpleasant to read, and was tempted many times to abandon it. Seeing the high reviews on Goodreads, I feel like a heretic giving it my low review. So here is my attempt to explain my review:

The Goodreads scale is subjective, and based on how much one liked the book. Thus, I am unable to give the book a high rating, even as I respect the author and the content of the book. The reality is that I did not like reading the book. It was painful to read – especially the middle section that was written with long sentences filled with so many pronouns, that I found myself forgetting what those pronouns referred to. A more competent reader than I (like my brother Douglas), would likely give this book a very high rating. But if your reading level is like mine, I would recommend avoiding the book, in spite of the content which would otherwise be worth engaging with.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Wilbeforce is known for his relentless pursuit to end slavery in the British Kingdom during the late 1700's and into the 1800's; the renowed movie called "Amazing Grace" depicts the story of his passion. And it is the great draw to read this book which would be a major catylist to end the even greater evil that had been perpetrated against a race of people. I found, however, that this work did not address slavery but spoke to demise of the human condition, that is, the decline of Authentic Christianity. And to this decline, the decline of morals and the rise of Cultural Christianity which go hand-in-hand. More interesting was the nearly identical moral conditions and sentiment that existed in 1800 Britain seem rather similar to 2000 America. This was truly an eye-opener for me.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fact that this was written by William Wilberforce ( 1759 – 1833) enticed me to give it a read. I admire him greatly in that he became a real Christian in his late 20's and lived out his faith in very public ways, influencing his nation towards Godliness.

He contrasts at length the system of nominal Christianity in his day with the Biblical description of the Christian life. He calls on nominal Christians to repent and to be reborn by the Spirit of God. He also calls on real Christians to live out the faith presented in the Bible. He acknowledges that it is counter-cultural, but that the Lord changes us to be able to live a new life in Him.

He writes from an Anglican perspective, but most everything is Biblically-based.

[Rebecca Lewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow--this book may have been written over 200 years ago, but it could have been meant for the Church today. I have to say this book was so revelatory and life-impacting that I will probably be re-reading it periodically throughout my life. This should be a devotional classic right up there with Practice of the Presence and My Utmost for His Highest, etc. The updating of the language is really well done (and well explained) and the ideas Wilberforce expresses are revolutionary and life-altering. A must read.

[Tim Newcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A striking primary source understanding of what went haywire in Protestantism's theology that allowed both the high and low church of the 18th and early 19th century to call themselves Christians while supporting slavery. A critical read for westerners who want to understand what happened in this period from a primary source document.

The writing is sloppy as for as theology and sociology goes. His theological vocabulary is limited, and he has to explain concepts long-hand, so the read is a bit slow. The original text is in archaic British English, so that version is even slower. But the value is not in his elegance, but in his first-hand account of the Protestant Christianity of his time and why it defended slavery as a human right.

One of the most interesting aspects of his life is that Wilberforce was a moderate politician, not clergy and not even educated in theology. Yet he headlined a Christian cultural movement back to Apostolic moral orthodoxy after the whole of western Christianity had secularized and embraced moral relativism, specifically de-humanization in order to preserve their socio-economic status.

He faced tremendous opposition from the Protestant Christians of his time, being called an enemy of progress, a bigot and an extremist who wants people to live in poverty. He was told he couldn’t understand why slavery was necessary because he did not own slaves. He was told that he was an enemy of basic property rights and that a Negro is a Negro, not a human. He was told by the leaders of his church that “I’m personally anti-slavery, but I can't take away someone else's right to own a slave" and "Christians don't deny people their basic rights to property" and a range of other arguments that are still echoed by Western Christians to this day on other subjects where people are de-humanized in order to be disposed of.

Wilberforce is one of the critical authors that need to be read if the moral trajectory of western Protestantism and Western Secularism of the last 500 years is to be understood, especially in the anglosphere.


A few notable quotes I scribbled down:

“There is a fascinating dynamic in all of this. We all know that our faith in Christ is not merely a matter of internal belief. If our conduct does not conform to that belief, then our belief can be called into question. The latter validates the former. It is almost impossible to live as Christ taught if we do not have a transforming belief that changes the way we live. So the latter depends on the former as well as the former needing that accompaniment of the latter."

“Cultural Christians might talk about religion or church in generic terms, but you will rarely hear them use the name of Jesus or speak of His death on the cross or His resurrection. If you raise the subject, you might find that they are uncomfortable and don't care to talk about the very thing that thrills the heart of all those who possess authentic faith. They will speak of moral precepts and positive character qualities in the abstract but not as they specifically relate to Jesus. It is as if what Jesus has done for humanity does not connect in their thinking with the fact that it was done specifically for them.”

“When faith is lukewarm, or nominal, the exercise of faith cannot be expected to be very vigorous. It is a belief system that has no effect on the way the person lives.... Only those who have such faith understand that part of the beauty of Christianity is that it integrates all the dimensions of true humanity, bringing appropriate subordination and dependence so that the whole man, using all his faculties, can be transformed by the power of God in such a way that all of who he is can be used to the service and glory of God. God wants our hearts as well as our minds. … God desires that we relate to Him with love, warmth, tenderness and zeal. He hates lukewarm religion, the very thing some current clergy advocate.... there is no such thing as being born [or raised] a Christian. To become a Christian, you must be newly created from within and experience a second birth. You cannot inherit a Christian nature: it must be created within you by the work of the Holy Spirit. It becomes our job to then exercise spiritual discipline to ‘work out [your] salvation’ (Phil 2:12).”

“True faith is something that so pervades our lives that it affects everything we do. It is a matter of the heart, where its reality becomes out supreme influence. It seeks to root out anything that is contrary to its truth and attempts to bring all the heart’s desires and affections under its control.... When we come to faith, Christ comes to dwell in our lives by the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is a foundation of true faith that forces us to measure all we do against this reality. The Holy Spirit becomes our ultimate motivation. His presence permeates and penetrates every fiber of our being.”

“I know there is a danger of speaking of what goes on in the heart of another person. I know also that the subtleties of language can create misunderstanding. The problem, of course, is that we cannot see into the heart of another. This means that the only way we have of evaluating the validity of another person's faith is by the actions he or she exhibits. When it comes to God's evaluation, we are dealing with One who does have the ability to see into the human heart and weigh its motives. Somehow we become confused about this. We act as if God doesn't care about motive as long as the action is correct.”

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I agree with John Piper, read this book before you read the autobiography. It gives a glimpse of what made this man tick. Read the insight first(this book), then read the biography.

The more I read it, the more i felt like that he was writting to 2008. If you are interested in Postmodernism and Christianity and how to ministry in a Post Moderist society, READ THIS BOOK AND CHRISTIANITY OF LIBERALISM!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What grand and yet personally applicable insights into the way to live a Christian life William Wilberforce wrote for us. Reading his book, you feel that he sees us today; his writings are prescriptive to our current society. This is a book not to be neglected by any who desire to understand how to apply the teachings of Jesus in their lives. I look forward to reading it again.

[JM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wilberforce's piece is pretty good. It's part "Imitation of Christ" and a Systematic Theology. For a statesman who was heaviliy influenced by the church he takes a less righteous approach say, a Pope Benedict XVI or Mother Angelica book. Definately puts things into perspective for the average Christian to embrace the faith more intentionally.