‘Amazing Grace’ film seeks to inspire new generation with Wilberforce’s faith

Bob Beltz hopes a new generation of Christians will discover the story of William Wilberforce as an example of faithful cultural engagement at a time when many believers feel discouraged about their ability to make a difference. 

As Walden Media marks the 20th anniversary of “Amazing Grace,” the acclaimed 2006 film chronicling Wilberforce’s decades-long fight to abolish the British slave trade, the pastor, author and film producer weighed in on why the British statesman’s example is more urgent than ever.

“This new generation of believers … have never heard the story,” Beltz told The Christian Post. “The film is 20 years old. Some of these folks weren’t even born yet, and yet the film is so evergreen. It’s so relevant that I think people will be watching this for years to come. Our hope is that it’s an inspiration and an encouragement to people to get engaged.”

The anniversary rollout coincides with the birthday month of Wilberforce, who was born Aug. 24, 1759. Rather than returning to theaters, “Amazing Grace” is being reintroduced through digital platforms as Walden Media works toward making the film as widely accessible as possible. 

The film, rated PG, is streaming exclusively on Angel Studios through Oct. 31 and is also available for digital purchase or rental on platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango at Home. A DVD release is also planned for August.

Produced by Walden Media, “Amazing Grace” stars Ioan Gruffudd as Wilberforce and follows the Evangelical parliamentarian’s nearly 20-year campaign to end Britain’s transatlantic slave trade, a fight driven by his renewed Christian faith.

Beltz, an ordained minister in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and president of the Telos Project, served as an associate producer on “Amazing Grace” after spending decades helping develop faith-based films, including “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, “The Bible,” “A.D. The Bible Continues” and “Son of God.” He also authored Real Christianity, a modern adaptation of Wilberforce’s 1797 classic exploring the faith that shaped the abolitionist’s public life.

Before joining Walden Media, Beltz pastored churches for nearly 50 years before unexpectedly entering the film industry after a friend asked him to evaluate a potential movie adaptation.

“I’ve had the great privilege not only of pastoring churches for 50 years, but for 25 [years] being able to be a part of Walden Media,” he said. “Anything with a faith element … I probably play a larger role in making sure that the theology and spirituality of the film really are on track.”

Although Wilberforce is widely recognized today as the leader of Britain’s abolition movement, Beltz said he was surprised to learn many Christians were unfamiliar with him when production on “Amazing Grace” began.

“Outside of a small arena of people that were very familiar with him, most people didn’t know anything about him, maybe never heard of him,” he said. “Yet here was a man that literally changed the world in such a significant way that … what he did 200 years ago still impacts us today.”

Central to Wilberforce’s enduring influence was his belief that Christian faith should shape every area of life, including public service, Beltz added. 

After experiencing a spiritual renewal, Wilberforce considered leaving Parliament to enter ministry. Instead, he sought counsel from Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger and former slave ship captain-turned-Anglican minister John Newton and the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Both men encouraged him to remain in politics.

“Newton said, ‘You need to stay in politics. God needs you there,'” Beltz said. “He’s a great example for a young person today that’s trying to figure out, ‘How does my faith impact the world in which we live?'”

According to Beltz, that decision would define Wilberforce’s life. In 1787, he introduced his first bill to abolish the slave trade in Parliament. Though it failed, nearly every year for the next two decades, he introduced similar legislation, enduring repeated defeats before Parliament finally passed the abolition bill in 1807.

“I can’t imagine fighting for something for 20 years,” Beltz said. “I think it’s a big example to people, particularly young folks in our generation that are so used to things happening quickly. What does it look like to persevere and hang in there and fight the good fight?”

One of the film’s most memorable moments recounts how Wilberforce believed he had enough votes to secure victory, only to watch opponents derail the effort by distributing tickets to a popular comedy performance, luring away members of Parliament who planned to support the bill.

“It was a crushing blow to him,” Beltz said. “Yet he turned it back around. He spent another 10 years after that fighting for this until finally, again in 1807.”

Wilberforce’s accomplishments also extended far beyond ending the slave trade; in addition to championing abolition, he pursued what he called the “reformation of manners,” an effort to reform English society by confronting poverty, vice and other social injustices.

“We remember him for the slave trade, but he took on almost every social evil and injustice in England and helped form over 90 different societies, which we would call nonprofits today,” Beltz said. “All of that was based upon him having a sense of call.”

Reflecting on what Wilberforce might say to Christians navigating today’s cultural divisions, Beltz said the British statesman would likely begin with prayer.

“I would encourage young people today to really pray and ask God, ‘What do You want me to do?'” he said. “You might not be William Wilberforce, but whatever God shows you to do, you do it, and you’re making a difference.”

“This isn’t a picnic. This is a battle that we’re engaged in,” he added. “It’s a little scary, but it’s also the only way to be really fulfilled in life, to find out what your purpose is that God created you for, and to take it on.”