John Piper's succinct and superbly perceptive study of William Wilberforce deserves to become an acclaimed bestseller. It not only tells the story of a great man's life-it also tells us how to understand the ultimate source of his greatness and happiness. Moreover; that understanding goes far deeper than the abolitionist achievements for which Wilberforce is honored; astounding though they were. William Wilberforce's secret; as revealed in this book; was that he made the journey from self-centeredness; achievement-centeredness; and political-centeredness to God-centeredness. And he made it with Christlike joy. -Jonathan Aitken Against great obstacles William Wilberforce; an evangelical Christian and a member of Parliament; fought for the abolition of the African slave trade and against slavery itself until they were both illegal in the British Empire. Many are aware of Wilberforce's role in bringing an end to slavery in Great Britain; but few have taken the time to examine the beliefs and motivations that spurred him on for decades. In this concise volume; John Piper tells the story of how Wilberforce was transformed from an unbelieving; young politician into a radically God-centered Christian; and how his deep spirituality helped to change the moral outlook of a nation. As world leaders debate over how to deal with a host of social justice and humanitarian crises; a closer look at Wilberforce's life and faith serves as an encouragement and example to all believers.
#834645 in Books WaterBrook Press 2002-08-20 2002-08-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .42 x 5.50l; .43 #File Name: 1578566576176 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. but so far great information and has been interestingBy CustomerStill reading book at this time; but so far great information and has been interesting.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Waring with war.By GregoryKingThe author balanced well; both secular sources and holy script to bring about his position. While I agree with him almost to the letter; I hold and maintain that we are fighting a different kind of war. One in which the Just war doctrine may not have the strength to fulfill. Even God commanded the Israelites to kill all on one occasion. This places the responsibility squarely on the soldiers of radical Islam and their quiet supporters. Are we there yet? To "kill them all"? I can't make that call.4 of 7 people found the following review helpful. "Christian Based" but certainly not the Christian PerspectiveBy J.N.First I must say that Professor Cole has written this book in a way that is available to almost any reader concerning flow of thought and overall structure. I agree with a prior to reviewer that it is short on overall content but has enough material to make his point. The major problem with this book claiming to be The Christian Perspective is that there is so little scripture used in defending the just war theory perspective that one must ask if Professor Cole believes that just war theory is defensible biblically. Other than several scriptures trying to show that God is described in the OT as a warrior on one page there is very little scripture elsewhere in the book. This sort of treatment certainly wouldn't stand up in a debate with a scripturally based pacifist (and there are plenty). I do; however; appreciate that Professor cole approaches the subject from a conservative Christian perspective.Another major problem I had while reading this book is the use of fallacies in making arguments like the repeated use of John the Baptist's instructions to soldiers to treat people justly instead of telling them to stop soldiering; therefore God must support Christians in the military. And that we couldn't possibly imagine John telling prostitutes to prostitute more righteously. These are arguments from silence. The argument is made over and over that Jesus never told people to stop owning slaves; yet it is obvious for any Christian that Jesus was changing social order slowly. Though if we used Professor Cole's reasoning then we should still have slaves today.I also find the choice of historic Christians weak in making the argument that historic Christianity has supported just war theory. Ambrose was appointed as bishop for political reasons (he wasn't even a priest). Aquinas as Catholic as can be during a time when the Church was controlled politically; and although Calvin was the top theologian of his time he is well known for being the deciding voice in the death of a heretic.Professor Cole also makes several inflammatory statements like; "When we fail to use force to protect others; we do harm to the image of God…we fail to act like God when we refuse to use force in a just cause." As if the only way to protect someone is to use violence instead of place ourselves in the path of the aggressor to protect the victims (like Jesus did). Somehow we have the divine authority to use violence against the image bearers of God. And; "Failure for a X to support his nation who has met the 5 criteria and declared war would be a failure to love and failure to please God. " Really? I can't please God unless I'm a good american? When was the last time that America fought a war not based on economic interest (including WWI and WWII)?Overall; without a solid scriptural base (or at least an attempt) for the argument of just war theory; how can one really say it is The Christian Perspective?
