The Better Hour: The Legacy of William Wilberforce
This year (2007) is the 200th anniversary of William Wilberforce's success in ending the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, and was marked (among other ways) by the release of a major motion picture. Still in the works, however, is a documentary entitled The Better Hour: The Legacy of William Wilberforce. This project is funded by the John Templeton Foundation and is set to be nationally televised, probably in February 2008:
The goal of the documentary is to focus on how strength of character is harnessed in the service of high and seemingly unattainable goals for society. Character and community join together to bring into the world what the English poet William Cowper described as "the better hour." The documentary highlights William Wilberforce's drive and love for humanity and reveals how he and his colleagues took up the cause of abolition of the slave trade at a time when the British economy depended upon slavery.
Along with this documentary, the John Templeton Foundation is setting aside $40,000 in prize money for high school students who have demonstrated leadership in specific service projects that reflect Wilberforce's values. The first place winner will receive $10,000. The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2008, and awards are to be granted in May 2008.
(HT: Joel Belz in World Magazine)
Comments
What about Matthew 6:1, "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven."? Yes, we want our young people to have compassion upon others, and to be a real help to them, but do we want them to amass a "good works" portfolio? Perhaps a young person could be nominated for this award (by someone other than family), but not apply for it personally?
Posted by: Joyce | October 22, 2007 08:18 AM