The Wanderer: "Amazing Grace" (Songs of Resistance Series: Part 2)

Songs of Resistance: Dangers, Toils & Snares. AKA, Amazing Grace. Welcome to another mini series of The Wanderer, this time focused on trying to understand and define worship. Each episode will look at the history of a particular Hymn and its origin story, how it may have roots in Justice and what it may encourage us to participate in today. Further, every episode will end with a recorded version of the song by Tim, to listen to after walking through the song's history.

This week, it is what is most likely the most famous and well known song of all time: "Amazing Grace." What is the history of this song? How has it lasted so long? Why is it so popular?

Tim covers some of the history, but not all. There was Newton being exiled himself, his father rescuing him. The relationship between himself and William Cowper, William Wilberforce... William Walker (so many Williams...). The Second Great Awakening, Dwight Moody... There is so much to cover. But the main piece is, what is Grace? How does it inform our lives? How does justice and resistance play in?

This is the long road.

Some points of reference:

"John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace," by Jonathan Aitkin

"Why Obama's Singing of 'Amazing Grace' is so Powerful," by Sarah L. Kaufman

Tim's rendition, "Dangers, Toils & Snares," can be heard on SPOTIFY, APPLE MUSIC or any other streaming platform.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Always feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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