By James Walvin2023-11-09T12:27:00
As ‘Amazing Grace’ turns 250 years old, historian James Walvin charts it’s unlikely journey from a humble parish church in England to becoming a global recording phenomenon, even adopted by the communities that the hymn’s author was once complicit in enslaving
‘Amazing grace’ is perhaps the world’s best-known and most popular hymn. It is sung in all corners of the globe, by choirs and soloists, in churches, in major concert halls and at large public gatherings. It has been performed and recorded by every conceivable type of singer and musician, from concert orchestras to steel bands. It’s music accompanies funerals and state occasions, while its words soothe and reassure. Yet this simple hymn has a complex history.
It was written in the late 18th century for humble parishioners in an English rural church. More startling still, it was written by a former slave ship captain, John Newton. Alongside his other hymns, ‘Amazing grace’ marks the author’s gradual transition from the brutality of slavery to being an advocate for abolition.
When the hymn travelled across the Atlantic in the 1790s, it’s haunting, soothing refrains took root in the slave communities of the US South, and later became an anthem for African-American life, in freedom as it had in slavery.
2024-01-31T14:36:00Z By Samuel Nwachukwu
Worship music on your wedding night? I don’t think so, says musician and worship pastor, Samuel Nwachukwu, otherwise known as Calledout Music. Our playlists should not be explicit, vulgar or packed with filth, but music is a good gift from God, he says
2024-01-10T12:54:00Z By Josh Carter
Premier Christian Radio daytime host Josh Carter looks back at his favourite tracks from 2023 and gives you his recommendations for starting your new year the right way
2023-06-05T13:21:00Z By Clare Williams
Q: When the rapper Jahaziel renounced his Christian faith, he listed a number of objections to belief, including “Christianity’s involvement in the slave trade”. He spoke about wanting to “return” to the religious traditions of his African ancestors. His story is representative of a large number of ...
2025-10-15T09:40:00Z By George Pitcher
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is to be celebrated, says George Pitcher. But true shalom demands justice too
2025-10-13T15:22:00Z By Rebecca Chapman
A brave act of inclusion or a misguided stunt? The new graffiti-style art installation inside Canterbury Cathedral has divided opinion, with even the Vice President of the USA wading into the debate. Rebecca Chapman notes that if a Cathedral can’t point people toward gospel truth, then the church is in serious trouble
2025-10-13T15:06:00Z By O'Neil Dennis
Forrest Frank’s decision to avoid Christian award shows has stirred loud debate. Founder of StepFWD awards, O’Neil Dennis, welcomes Frank’s refusal to take the stage. It reminds us we must not worship the gift, but the source of the gift, he says
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