By Michelle Buckalew, Best Friends Animal Society
On February 23 a movie that has already been causing a lot of buzz is opening across America in wide distribution. The title is Amazing Grace. The theme revolves primarily around the fight to end slavery, but for animal advocates, this movie just might inspire them to continue fighting the good fight with even more conviction.
The film brilliantly demonstrates that the fight to make the world a more compassionate and humane place in which to live does not always come swiftly or easily...nor come without its' detractors.
William Wilberforce (1759-1833), the British abolitionist who was a great social reformer, is featured and shown to have changed the world's history forever with his honest compassion. He is not only responsible for helping end slavery, but he is known for being a true leader in the animal protection movement. This spiritual man was utterly devoted to ending cruelty to animals.
The film, which is being talked about as a great epic film with stunning cinematography, includes award-winning performances by the impressive cast.
Mr. Wilberforce first brought up the idea of ending slavery in the British House of Commons in 1788. His initial speech ended with the quote, "Sir, when we think of eternity and the future consequence of all human conduct, what is there in this life that shall make any man contradict the dictates of his conscience, the principles of justice and the law of God!"
That motion was defeated, but he continued to bring it up for the next eighteen years. It would prove to be a long battle, but Wilberforce never ever gave up. Finally In 1833 the bill for the abolition of slavery passed its' third reading in the Commons. He would die just days later. In a month's time, British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act that gave all slaves in the British Empire their freedom.
It is interesting to note that Abraham Lincoln was said to have been inspired by Wilberforce. Lincoln is well known for his compassion to animals, too. There are a few quotes attributed to Lincoln regarding animals. One such quote is, "I could not have slept tonight if I had left that helpless little creature to perish on the ground." (reply to friends who chided him for delaying them by stopping to return a fledgling to its nest.)
Wilberforce was a deeply spiritual man who was a Christian writer and whose dedication to ending cruelty to animals was well-known during his lifetime. History is revealing him to be a thoughtful visionary whose amazing life continues to impact future generations and the world.
The fact that he was truly a kind, compassionate man to the animals and was one of the founders of the RSPCA just could indeed lend added spirit to the animal protection movement.
Top photo courtesy of University of Texas at Austin.Visit Amazing Grace website:Click HereLearn more about William WilberforceClick HereRead the history of Amazing Grace, the hymn.Click HereRSPCAClick hereVisit Animals in ReligionClick Here