Real Christianity: A Nation Was Blind Until One Man Made Them See

Just in time for the release of Amazing Grace, the movie about the life of William Wilberforce, is this edition of his classic book from 1797, Real Christianity, paraphrased in modern language and made more accessible to contemporary readers. This is the book that helped abolish the slave trade in the United Kingdom, and called Christians to live a more authentic life of faith more than 200 years ago.  The timeless truths it contains will speak to readers in fresh ways today. Christians who eschew cultural Christianity in favor of a real faith in Christ will find the principles here thought-provoking and applicable. The social justice orientation will appeal to readers of Jim Wallis, Os Guinness, Charles Colson, Shane Claiborne, John Perkins, Bono, and Nancy Pearcy. Readers will also find the book is a good litmus test of the authenticity of their own faith.

"Wilberforce is one of the most neglected heroes of modern history. Yet even most Christians are unfamiliar with this thoughtful and passionate Christian whose biblical worldview and dependence on God’s Spirit emboldened him to champion the abolition of slavery. This is a man we need to hear from, and Bob Beltz has made him accessible. Where I compared this paraphrase to Wilberforce’s original, I believe it to be faithful to the author’s spirit and intent. I also appreciated the footnotes clarifying key points of historical context. This 210 year old book is as relevant as it is important. With Bob’s help, it’s soul-stirring to sit at the feet of Wilberforce, a man God used to change the world."
— Randy Alcorn, author of Heaven and Safely Home

"Wilberforce has long been a hero to many of us. Now, through Real Christianity, we get a better glimpse into his theology, his spirituality, his passion. Bob Beltz's adaptation of Wilberforce's original work will provide a needed challenge to all of us, because we're all constantly tempted to let an on-fire, vibrant, world-changing faith cool to a lukewarm 'conventional Christianity.'"
— Brian McLaren, author/activist (brianmclaren.net)

“The gap between ‘real faith’ and ‘cultural Christianity’ is as wide today as at any time in history, so there is much we can learn from William Wilberforce’s stirring – and highly successful – cry for reformation. Bob Beltz has done us a great service in making this bestselling classic accessible again."
— Os Guinness, author of Unspeakable: Facing up to the challenge of Evil

"William Wilberforce is one of my all-time heroes. You talk about finishing well! Just days before his death, Wilberforce's great mission to end slavery in Britain was successfully concluded. Now on the eve of the major motion picture release of Amazing Grace, there's a new release of Wilberforce's timeless classic, Real Christianity revised and updated by my friend, Bob Beltz, who worked on the film. What a wonderful Christmas 2006 gift to all of us!"
—Bob Buford, Founder, Leadership Network, Author, Halftime and Finishing Well

"This is a book I strongly recommend. Bob Beltz has done a superb modern translation of one of the all time Christian classics. I have read and re-read Real Christianity and find its message as timely today as it was when that great Christian leader, the model for my life, William Wilberforce wrote it. Don't just get this book-read it."
-Chuck Colson, Founder and Chairman, Prison Fellowship

Average Rating:

3 of 3 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Bunni Pounds (Garland, Texas), June 21, 2009

This is one of the most powerful books I have read in years. Things that God has been showing me over the last few years about casual Christianity and how we decieve ourselves in thinking we are ok when we are not, all of these things were spelled out for me in this book. From the struggle of living under law instead of grace to the yearning of trying to fit into our culture while walking as a Christian. Wilberforce lays it out there and says we can not compromise. We are different and we have to live differently. Coming from a man who changed the modern world, it has a lot of weight behind it.

Reviewed by Gary Thomas (Springfield, PA), August 27, 2008

When you read this book you will think that it was written a couple of years ago. Not a couple of centuries ago. Mr Wilberforce obviously had a deep and passionate love for Jesus Christ and it is evidenced in his wonderful writings. I have loaned this book to two different people and both of them stated that the book "scared" them. King Solomon said "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom". This book is a sort of litmus test as to whether you are an "authentic" Christian or not. I would highly recommend this book to any professing Christian who are not trying to please men but rather are trying to please God. (1Th 2:3)

Reviewed by Pam Myers (Sioux Falls, SD), April 18, 2008

Years ago, with some concern, I asked the Lord a question: "Am I really a Christian or am I only a good church member?" It has become an important guideline in my walk with Him. While reviewing books for the church library, I found this vital question being so well addressed by "Real Christianity" that I not only bought my own copy, I obtained permission to offer it in the church bookstore and to study it in our community group. I would encourage anyone to read Wilberforce's admonition to authenticity. It is a good tool to avoid being turned away at the end of time by the frightening words, "I never knew you!"

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