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.
Real Christianity
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Book Description
Real Christianity is a call to Christians to know what they believe, and then live accordingly.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From the Back Cover
He believed that slavery was wrong; and with his classic book, Real Christianity, William Wilberforce set out to describe for people an authentic expression of the Christian faith. In doing so, he changed the course of a nation—and the world. In this modern paraphrase of a contemporary classic, Bob Beltz introduces you to a set of principles critical in living an authentic Christian life. As you read his passionate words, you’ll find that Wilberforce’s examination of what it means to have authentic faith in a time of cultural Christianity resonates strongly, even today. Discover how the concepts of sin, evil and depravity have been watered-down. Find out how the essential beliefs of authentic Christianity have been distorted. Learn how to maintain a biblical lifestyle. Although written more than 200 years ago, the timeless truths in this book will speak to you in fresh ways. It will also serve as a litmus test of the authenticity of your own spiritual values.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 50 people found the following review helpful
By Rose Grant
Format:Paperback
While it is my own fault for not examining the fine print, I was disappointed to find that this book was not the one written by Wilberforce. Rather it is a paraphrased version, containing a number of inappropriate word substitutes that alter the meaning dramatically.
I read "A Practical View of Real Christianity" by Wilberforce many years ago. This book is not that book. I should have been more cautious when attempting to purchase it again. Certainly the publisher could have been straightforward about who the author of this book is.
I read "A Practical View of Real Christianity" by Wilberforce many years ago. This book is not that book. I should have been more cautious when attempting to purchase it again. Certainly the publisher could have been straightforward about who the author of this book is.
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
William Wilberforce makes clear his intended audience are readers who perceive themselves to be Christians, people who attend church on a regular basis. Remember this book was first published in the early nineteenth century when the majority in Great Britain felt peer pressure to attend church on a regular basis. The book is a call for introspection: How will you face God after you leave this earth. The author makes distinction between the cultural Christian and to what he considers an authentic Christian. What constitutes authentic religion and authentic faith? Expresses a desire that Christians should have desire to know the scripture and have the ability to defend their Faith. Does one have a desire to be well educated over having a godly knowledge of the bible? Does one's desire for a place in society determines behavior and thought or does one's desire to grow closer to God? Wilberforce is critical of Christians who call Faith a private matter. As if it is something to be kept to oneself and not for public declaration. Does the individual feel this way because he is insecure in his knowledge of the bible, insecurity about his ability to defend his thoughts, or lack of faith in his stated belief? The author makes a distinction between being a moral person and a Christian, A moral person tries to do good things and avoid doing bad things. A standard set up by man not God.
Wilberforce argues that many a Christian have a misperception about the nature of God and the nature of sin, therefore they do not perceive oneself correctly before God. Christians do not take Satan serious and do not take sin serious. One finds oneself belittle their own guilt and not acknowledging the importance of the cross.... Read more ›
Wilberforce argues that many a Christian have a misperception about the nature of God and the nature of sin, therefore they do not perceive oneself correctly before God. Christians do not take Satan serious and do not take sin serious. One finds oneself belittle their own guilt and not acknowledging the importance of the cross.... Read more ›
27 of 35 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Statesman and reformer William Wilberforce (1759-1833), best known for leading the 20-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, cared deeply about re-introducing classic works by Christian writers to new audiences. On one occasion he wrote of the "Practical Writings" of the celebrated 17th century divine Richard Baxter:
"With [Baxter's] controversial pieces I am little acquainted: but his Practical Writings, in four massy folios, are a treasury of Christian wisdom...[I]t would be a most valuable service to mankind to revise them, and perhaps to abridge them, so as to render them more suited to the taste of modern readers."
Editor Ellyn Sanna has done just this for Wilberforce's "Real Christianity." Her abridgements are judicious, and the revisions in language allow modern readers to derive the greatest benefit from Wilberforce's timeless call to embrace biblical Christianity and let it inform their lives. Thus, this new edition of "Real Christianity" does much to perpetuate a proper understanding and appreciation of Wilberforce's life and achievements. I have profited from, and will continue to profit from this valuable new edition. I regret, however, the omission of an index in this book, which would have been a helpful addition. Happily, this is the only detraction (and a small one at that) from this new edition.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It is an excellent book. Many who preach christianity should read this book to know what it really means to be a Christian - to walk by the teachings of Christ. As Gandhi said, if the Christians imitated the ways of Christ, there will be no need for another religion!!
6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is one I highly recommend for anyone who is interested in evaluating life; and if we are standing for the values in which we believe, both personally and as a nation. It certainly has made me take a serious look at my own life. After accidentally leaving the book in the airport and did not realize it until it was too late, I ordered another copy. I hope the person who found my book will read it and value it. I shall be more careful with my new copy. S. Robertson
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
William Wilberforce was one of the leading forces of slavery reform in England. He is also the subject of the recent film Amazing Grace. Wilberforce originally wrote Real Christianity in 1797. Bob Beltz, one of the producers of Amazing Grace, has released a modern paraphrase of Wilberforce's book.
Through Beltz's modern version of Real Christianity, readers are able to understand Wilberforce's challenge to Christians to think through their beliefs. Wilberforce encourages readers to look at how we live our daily lives and filter our actions through Scripture.
Readers will find Real Christianity surprisingly applicable to modern life. Just as biblical truths transcend the eras, so do Wilberforce's thoughts on the Christian life. There are obvious parts that apply directly to British customs of the time period, but overall the lessons to be learned are still relevant today.
I would encourage all Christians to read this book. It will challenge you spiritually and point you toward a more intimate relationship with Christ. Real Christianity will also cause you to think deeply about your walk with the Lord and help you to understand how your actions translate to those who do not know the Lord.
Through Beltz's modern version of Real Christianity, readers are able to understand Wilberforce's challenge to Christians to think through their beliefs. Wilberforce encourages readers to look at how we live our daily lives and filter our actions through Scripture.
Readers will find Real Christianity surprisingly applicable to modern life. Just as biblical truths transcend the eras, so do Wilberforce's thoughts on the Christian life. There are obvious parts that apply directly to British customs of the time period, but overall the lessons to be learned are still relevant today.
I would encourage all Christians to read this book. It will challenge you spiritually and point you toward a more intimate relationship with Christ. Real Christianity will also cause you to think deeply about your walk with the Lord and help you to understand how your actions translate to those who do not know the Lord.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
A rewriting of an original classic
This book is like the Message version of the Bible, except the Message version is actually longer than the original. Still, it's not really accurate to say this was edited. Read more
Published 2 days ago by ijidude
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific Book
I loved this book and found that I learned a lot more about Wilberforce than I thought I was interested in. This book gave lots of insight about who this man really was.
Published 2 months ago by Belinda Burton
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very profound and almost prophetic read.
We have all heard that history repeats itself, this statement is validated in the reading of this book. Read more
Published on September 15, 2010 by Jay
2.0 out of 5 stars
I Expected Better
Perhaps the problem is me; perhaps my expectations were too lofty. But I had higher hopes for this book. Read more
Published on February 27, 2009 by Kevin L. Nenstiel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Utterly Aplicable
Real Christianity is a fantastic read. It expresses the basics of the christian faith and contrasts it with those who live outwardly like Christians but are not serious about their... Read more
Published on January 14, 2009 by Mistry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Honest look at religion
Written over 200 years ago, yet still intensely relevant, Real Christianity reminds us what it means to BE a Christian. Read more
Published on January 28, 2008 by L. Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great And Life Changing Book
This book relates to modern American Christians as well as it did to England in 1800's. With 80% of Americans claiming to be Christians but not knowning what this means the books... Read more
Published on December 21, 2007 by Norman R. Wise
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Book That Changed the Course of History
This is a gripping and challenging book, holds your attention all the way through. It was the book that saved England from destruction and resulted in turning the tide of popular... Read more
Published on September 12, 2007 by Dorothy E. Roy
4.0 out of 5 stars
William Wilberforce
Wilberforce forces us to assess our actions with a higher standard. He wants us to conform to what God's will is for us and not our misguided sense of what is "right". Read more
Published on July 27, 2007 by E. A. Morrison
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must read for everyone serious about the Christian faith
Reading this in conjuction with Amazing Grace by Eric Metaxas gives the behind the scenes genuine faith that fueled William Wilberforce and his service to mankind. Read more
Published on July 19, 2007 by Deborah Martin
