Vital Christianity: The Life and Spirituality of William Wilberforce

by Murray Andrew Pura

Publisher:

Christian Focus

, 2003

Overview

William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was a truly inspiring man. An evangelical Christian, he was the key voice that led to the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, which then led to its ultimate abolition worldwide. Abolishing slavery was, according to Wilberforce's critics, impractical, idealistic and fantastically uneconomic. But Wilberforce was convinced that slavery was an evil that needed to be eradicated, and was finally fulfilled a mere three days before his death.

What would have happened if William Wilberforce had followed the conventional wisdom of today and kept his religious beliefs separate from his political opinions, not tried to impose his beliefs on others, or had allowed the desire to be relevant, tolerant, and popular to outweigh any desire to stand for what was right?

This is a fascinating look at William Wilberforce's life. The energy, persistence, and unashamedly evangelical faith is a shining example to all Christians today. The parallels for the Christian today who holds the unpopular positions that following Christ entails, should be abundantly clear.

Key Features

• Critical studies on the life of William Wilberforce
• Provides an archetype for living unashamedly as a follower of Christ
• Logos editions allow for quick and easy document navigation

Praise for the Print Edition

Some books, said Bacon, should be tasted (and then left), some swallowed (that is, read casually), and "some few chewed and digested," that is, read through with care and thought. This book flows so smoothly that it could easily be swallowed, but with Christian role-models of stature currently in such short supply I believe it belongs in Bacon's third class; and it is as such that I recommend it to you.

—J. I. Packer

Product Details

• Title: Vital Christianity: The Life and Spirituality of William Wilberforce
• Author: Murray Andrew Pura
• Publisher: Christian Focus Publications
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 160

About Murray Andrew Pura

Murray Pura was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and has traveled extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Ordained as a Baptist minister in 1986, Pura has served five churches in Canada and headlined numerous speaking engagements in Canada and the United States. He has twelve books published, is a contributor to the Life With God Bible, has been a finalist for The Paraclete Fiction Award, the Dartmouth Book Award, the John Spencer Hill Literary Award, and The Kobzar Literary Award of Toronto. Murray has an MDiv from Acadia University and Baptist Divinity School and a ThM and DCS from Regent College (Vancouver). He lives near Calgary, Alberta.