A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Middle and Higher Classes in this Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity.

"A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in Higher and Middle Classes" by William Wilberforce is a theological treatise written in the late 18th century. The book critiques the superficial understanding of Christianity among the higher classes in British society, contrasting it with what the author argues constitutes “real Christianity.” Wilberforce aims to address the ignorance and erroneous notions regarding the Christian faith that permeate societal norms, particularly emphasizing the need for a deeper and more genuine practice of religion. The opening of the work details Wilberforce’s motivations for writing, expressing a deep concern for the state of religious understanding among professed Christians. He articulates his observations that many individuals, while identifying as Christians, lack a true comprehension of their faith’s fundamental principles, often confusing morality with authentic Christian belief. He sets the stage for a detailed examination of common misconceptions, such as the importance of personal responsibility in understanding and practicing Christianity. Furthermore, Wilberforce appeals to his readers' sense of urgency, emphasizing that neglecting these vital truths could lead to dire consequences for individuals and society as a whole. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Wilberforce was a British politician, philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade. A native of Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, he began his political career in 1780, and became an independent Member of Parliament (MP) for Yorkshire (1784–1812). In 1785, he underwent a conversion experience and became an Evangelical Anglican, which resulted in major changes to his lifestyle and a lifelong concern for reform.