The Poem Amazing Grace was of "poor choice" as a sing-along presented by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's 2022 Fourth of July Celebration, wrote Malcolm Keating of Williamsburg. Typical liberal idealism misplaced, as to a separation of church and state.
While the Poem is immensely popular in Christian circles, The poem is not founded in Christain beliefs. The Poem is about the writer's experience while at sea. Newton believed that only by the grace of God did he survive a horrific storm in 1778 while aboard the ship, Greyhound. I think we all know, man is predictable, when hope is lost, we pray, and we seek God's intervention.
“There are no atheists in foxholes.”
The first saying circulated during World War 1, and the second saying spread during World War 2. The earliest close match appeared in “The Western Times” newspaper of Devon, England in November 1914. A speaker at a memorial service for a fallen soldier held at St. Matthias’ Church, Ilsham read from the letter of an unnamed chaplain serving at the front.
“Tell the Territorials and soldiers at home that they must know God before they come to the front if they would face what lies before them. We have no atheists in the trenches. Men are not ashamed to say that, though they never prayed before, they pray now with all their hearts.”
The Poem is used for both religious and secular purposes. The term "Grace" has many meanings, yet this definition matters most. "Disposition to an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency." With the understanding that Muslims, Jews, and Christians follow the same God, the idea of grace is the same in all three religions and texts.
In Hinduism, grace is the central tenet of Bhakti Yoga and Bhakti movements, which are seen as reform movements in Hinduism. These movements can mean "grace," "mercy," or "blessing," depending upon the context.
We should consider the idea of grace. Grace is meant for forgiveness, and in this day and time, forgiveness is in short supply. You must possess grace to be able to forgive. Grace and forgiveness do not mean we worship a particular God; Grace is an act given by God for man and an act given by man for man. A man does not have to believe in God to offer grace and forgiveness to someone who has wronged them. Yet if our children are not taught grace and forgiveness, we are forever caught in a loop of the mass killings and hate for one another we see today. Only with grace and forgiveness can we reduce and stop the mass murder issues we find in our country today. So, I say, if the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation sings a song about grace, what we are doing is reflecting upon the grace we should have for each other.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
And Grace will lead us home
And Grace will lead us home
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was blind, but now I see
