Developing a Christian Mind - Written Reflection on William Wilberforces Life and Worldview - Book Report/Review Example

29) Wilberforce also attributed his reading of the book “The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul” (1745) by Philip Doddridge as contributing to his conversion. (Piper, 2006, p. 29) What followed in Wilberforce’s mind and being was a complete change of perspective where he became convinced of the truth of the message of the New Testament, Jesus’ teaching to his disciples, and Christian morality. Wilberforce converted to a Protestant Evangelical faith and even considered becoming a minister.

Instead, he stayed in public life and activism, advocating for moral reform in England and working with other abolitionists around the world to introduce laws into Parliament that would prohibit slavery. Wilberforce’s life and work is thus an example of how an individual can develop a “Christian mind” in order to work for positive social reform in selfless service to humanity, bringing the essence of Christian morality to the forefront of every activity and concern. In the book “William Wilberforce: A Man Who Changed His Times” (1996), John Pollok and J.

Douglas Holladay reflect on the life, teachings, and message of William Wilberforce’s example, that it may serve as an inspiration for those seeking conversion, community service, Christian activism, and full immersion into the doctrine of the New Testament. Holladay cites “Seven Distinctives” that defined Wilberforce’s worldview and Evangelical doctrine at the time, and these truths resonate with a spirit that is timeless, based in universal morality and a quest to realize or manifest reform in a society through personal transformation.

A review of these “Seven Distinctives” can lead the seeker of truth in contemporary society to contemplate means through which a Christian mind can be developed as a personal moral guidance system informing all activities and decisions in the life. The central identity of Jesus Christ in Wilberforce’s life, evangelical Protestantism, and