Amazing Grace

I went to a Black History assembly and I learned something new. The song " Amazing Grace " was written by John Newton a former slave ship captain. I really did not know that. I though somebody else wrote it. but it is a very good song. I really didn't know a slave master wrote that song. What do you think about that?

Comments

[Bronwyn G]

I think that was very good.

But now I have mixed feelings about a slave master writing the song.

Lots of US presidents in the early part of the country kept slaves, like Andrew Jackson.

It'll always be 'anon' or 'trad' to me, though!

[Lani]

Hi Eric,

Thanks for sharing that the composer of Amazing Grace had seved as a captain on a slave ship. I was not aware of that. I went searching for more information because your post made me really curious.

I wonder if that hymn, doesn't reflect John Newton's life? Especially the part that goes: " That saved a wretch like me.... I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see."

As a captain on a slave ship, he was indeed a "wretch" (and the worst of the worst). Later in his life, I learned, it is said that he found God, became an ordained minister, and wrote many hymns.

So your post and the wondrous words of that hymn have me wondering, can people change? Do we see that happen today? What do you think?

Lani