I took Zachary to see Amazing Grace yesterday afternoon–wow! I was deeply moved, challenged, and encouraged. I had heard of Wilberforce through my studies of British literature, but I didn’t know much about him. It was exciting to see a man of faith and conviction portrayed as a hero–and he should be, because he did something profound. I also appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Olaudah Equiano, the former slave; I’ve read and taught parts of Equiano’s autobiography in my American literature courses, but I was not aware of the extent of his involvement in the anti-slavery movement in England.
I’ve wanted to see the film since it opened, and I wanted to take Zack, but he was not particularly interested, and I hadn’t found a good time to go. As usual, though, the timing was perfect, and I can see that the Holy Spirit had a hand in it. I had just finished reading about having a vision for one’s life in Live Your Calling, which Teddie and I are using in a small group we attend this semester, and Amazing Grace shows vision and calling in action in a spectacular way. It is good to be reminded that one person can change the world–though I’m mindful that Wilberforce didn’t work alone, and the film makes that clear. He was surrounded by those who shared his vision and labored with him. Still, it was his persistence and determination–dogged determination is more apt–that bore fruit.
Amazing Grace is just the sort of film that I want my children exposed to: I want Zack to see the power of vision and passion, to see the legacy that a man of conviction can leave, and so to stir his vision for what he can do. I know it did that for me.
You can learn more about the film and Wilberforce at the official site for the film.
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William Wilberforce
In yesterday's post, I talked about the need to pray for our culture, and I promised to offer some ways to act.
First, pray.
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
This passage is often quoted, so much so that when I see it or hear it, my first response is “It’s that pray for the nation passage.” That’s sad, both because it reflects a lack of reverence for God’s word on my part, and because I’m missing its awesome promise. This is God speaking here, pledging to Solomon to bring salvation and healing–the very things our culture needs. I encourage you to meditate on this passage, hide its promise in your heart, and seek God to honor His word.
Second, become an activist. This word tends to conjure up images of picketing and marching, both of which are appropriate responses at times. But you don’t have to take to the streets to make a difference. I’ve been a member of One Million Dads for a couple of years, and it’s been an easy way to bring about visible change. For instance, this summer OMD and others have conducted a campaign asking companies to withdraw their advertising from F/X shows like Rescue Me and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. This campaign made national news a few weeks ago when T-Mobile’s president, Robert Dotson, watched the programming his company sponsored and ordered a stop to advertising for these shows. I should note that I don’t participate in every campaign that OMD sponsors; they have supported some legislative proposals that I thought were unnecessary, and I’ve even written them a few times to say so. But it’s not all-or-nothing; I can support their core goals and get behind the campaigns that I agree with. The important thing is that I’ve done something.
Here are other organizations that are active in changing our culture and media; perhaps one of them will be a good fit for you:
- The Parents Television Council “was founded in 1995 to ensure that children are not constantly assaulted by sex, violence and profanity on television and in other media.”
- Morality in Media “was established in New York City in 1962 to combat pornography. Now national in scope, MIM works to inform citizens and public officials about the harms of pornography and about what they can do through law to protect their communities and children. MIM also works to maintain standards of decency on TV and in other media.”
- National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families: their mission is “To move the people of God to embrace, live out, preserve and advance the biblical truth of sexuality.”
- One Million Dads, One Million Moms, and One Million Youth: these three organizations are part of the American Family Association, which works to combat offensive media.
- Battle Cry: founded by Ron Luce of Teen Mania Ministries, Battle Cry is building a coalition of churches and Christians to battle for the young people of the United States.
Third, watch where your money goes. As I noted back in “vote with your wallet,” when we support family-oriented, positive media with our purchases, we are giving incentive to businesses to produce more of the same. Businesses want profits; they will follow the dollars.
I would love to hear ways that you have found to make a difference; share your experiences in the comments.
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Charis means grace, and that’s what this blog is about: grace, in all its—sometimes messy, always magnificent—manifestations. I’m Dan Butcher, and I invite you to join me in learning to lead a Christ-centered, grace-filled life. 
Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.