#123: Bruce Hindmarsh on the Life of John Newton and the Surprising Story Behind Amazing Grace

On Friday, January 1, 1773, a pastor of a small church debuted a hymn that he wrote to accompany his New Year’s Day sermon. He called it “Faith’s Review and Expectation” — not exactly an exciting title. And yet little did he or his congregation know this humble chorus would go on to be the most-sung song in the English language: Amazing Grace. 

On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris speaks with Bruce Hindmarsh, a professor of Spiritual Theology and Christian History at Regent College Vancouver, a John Newton scholar, and co-author of the new book Amazing Grace: The Life of John Newton and the Surprising Story Behind His Song. 

When you listen, you’ll find out how Newton’s life was difficult, utterly sinful at times, and littered with contradictions ... and yet Christ offered him grace and he eventually repented. If you’ve ever been moved by the hymn Amazing Grace, then this episode is for you.