An Esteemed Faith: The Life of Hannah More for the Modern Journalist

By Natalie Conrad

Ethical journalism is more necessary than ever in a society governed by social media, TikTok trends, Twitter memes and tabloids. Yet the call for Christians in journalism of the modern age extends beyond basic journalistic integrity of fact-checking, objectivity and impartiality. When Christian ethics are used with journalism ethics, reporters can uphold truth and accountability better than their secular counterparts. Hannah More demonstrates how to integrate faith and journalism because she saw her career as an extension of her spiritual calling.

As a leading voice against slavery, More’s written work brought about social and cultural change alongside political figures such as William Wilberforce. Through letters and poetry, More advocated for change through the arts alongside Wiberforce’s legislature. Journalists have the unique opportunity to give a voice to those without the power to share their stories, and More’s work is a testament to that.

Furthermore, More was critical of the authority of the Church of England. Her religious beliefs empowered her to stand up for the moral and biblical truths she believed. For a country that claimed to be “Christian,” she blatantly called out agnostics who claimed to be believers. More’s Christian background taught her to speak the truth, and her reputation earned the respect of the British. Even though she faced harsh criticism and backlash for her ideas, More did not let those in authority keep her from her moralistic duty.

More firmly believed that Christian affinities should affect one’s occupation. In “Memoirs of the Life and Correspondence of Mrs. Hannah More,” More is quoted, “It is a part of Christianity to convert every natural talent to a religious use.” More’s faith was developed long before her writing career, but her spiritual history guided her behavior for the rest of her life. She did not think that her faith should be separate from her writing, though other religious figures at the time did.

More is an example to current journalists because she listened to the Lord’s calling based on her spiritual gifts. She was a curious, talented writer with a passion for social justice. In 1 Corinthians 7:17, Paul writes, “Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.” Paul instructs believers to do what More has done by living out her calling.

Journalism is an inherently Christian occupation. Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Like More, our call as journalists means telling the stories of God’s people to help the poor and needy. Journalists also have the power to hold people accountable, especially those in authority. In 2 Timothy 4:2, God instructs, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” This verse explains that our work should preach the Word. Reporting comes with power and responsibility. If we are not influenced by the Scriptures in our daily work as journalists, we miss out on opportunities to preach the Gospel.

Hannah More lived out these journalistic ethics. Through her letters and poetry, More told the unspoken stories of those who did not have the voice or the power to defend themselves. By speaking honestly and rebuking pious people who claimed to be believers, More upheld her calling of accountability. Christians can look at the life of Hannah More as an example of following the calling of a journalist. More’s biblical convictions made her a better writer and changemaker, and modern journalists can uphold journalistic responsibility by following her lead.

[This essay by Natalie Conrad won thrid place in the WJI Essay Competition hosted by WJI Network.]