Link to Movie Review article, Mar 12, 2007
Advance Work:
1) Ask one member of the group to research the life of William Wilberforce, and how the movie emphasized certain parts (his opposition to slavery) and omitted others (his views on ‘The ‘Trouble in The Colonies,’ the American Revolution). He served 45 years in Parliament. What American politicians have enjoyed such a breadth of service in Congress, and what legacy did they leave?
2) Ask another member of the group to research the life of John Newton, and how his personal experience shaped his ecclesiastical career.
3) Ask another member of the group to do research on other issues in the British Parliament of that time period, such as taxation, conscription, and the governing of distant colonies. How far-reaching were these decisions for the balance of world power in that century, and in subsequent centuries?
4) Ask another member of the group to research some of the other hymns that emerged from various branches of the Church during this time period. How are these similar to, and different from, the famous ‘Amazing Grace’?
5) Ask another member of the group to research the lead actor, Ioan Gruffudd. What other roles has he accepted, and did any of them help prepare him for this particular part? What other work has the Director, Michael Apted, compiled, or Albert Finney, or Romola Garai?
For Class Time:
1) See if the group is willing to take on the various positions represented in the debate in Parliament. Assign the lead orators, and then the rest of the group votes according to who is the most persuasive!
2) Discuss the relationship between William Wilberforce and his Pastor, John Newton. How is this different from, or similar to, your relationship with your current Pastor? With Pastors from your past?
3) Discuss instances where members of the group took a stand because of their own conscience, even at the risk of being ridiculed or isolated by others.
4) Discuss how the health issues of Wilberforce affected his ability to work, but then perhaps made him more receptive to the kind of change of pace that would allow for a Significant Other?
5) Discuss the pivotal roles that Significant Others play, both in moments of support and encouragement, and also instances of confrontation and challenge, however gentle. How much of who we are is shaped by who we live with? Listen to? Befriend?
For Extra Credit:
1) If you were to write a hymn which reflected the depth of your spiritual experience, what words would you write? What sort of music would you attach to it—-traditional, contemporary, ‘folk’, bluegrass, country, soft rock, rap, blues, jazz?
2) If you know the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ by heart, see how many other hymns you know by heart. The class can be divided into very small groups to discover which hymns are known by heart by everyone in the group. Group members who are comfortable with their internal musicality are invited to sing aloud what they think they know!
Dr. Ronald P. Salfen is Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Terrell, Texas.
