Commentary:
Is ‘Amazing Grace’ misused?
By Robert Countiss
Last month we had a Knoxville District Ministers Meeting. I always enjoy these events and make them a priority. I especially appreciate the time of worship, which is always followed by communion.
This particular meeting, however, included the singing of the hymn, “Amazing Grace.” Sitting next to me, the Rev. Bob Bean of Emerald Avenue United Methodist Church noticed that I didn’t seem to participate with enthusiasm. I have to admit that, after 16 or so times of hearing it at Annual Conference last June, I’ve lost my taste for that particular hymn.
Later that week, “Amazing Grace” was included in my own church’s 9 a.m. worship service.
And then it was mentioned in an article in the Knoxville newspaper.
It will probably ruin my reputation and standing to admit that I am at the point where I dread the song. I know that’s unfortunate for a pastor; “Amazing Grace” is the favorite of so many.
Of course, anything can be overdone, and that alone is no reason to dislike the song. The story of the author – an ex-slave captain turned Anglican priest – is inspiring. The topic of grace is, as well, perhaps the most significant gift to us as Christians. Grace is a shorthand way of referring to all of God’s activity and initiative toward us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But that’s where the problem lies.
So often, “Amazing Grace” is absorbed into our pop culture in a way that causes the word “grace” to lose its meaning. It seems that any time there is a tragedy or unfortunate event precipitating a public response, “Amazing Grace” gets sung.
What really bothers me is the common use of the first and last verses – without the tough verses in between. The author, John Newton, really makes his point in those verses. The first verse is just the introduction and makes no overt mention of God. I think the fourth verse (which begins, “The Lord has promised good to me …”) is the most profound. By the way, Newton didn’t even write the sixth and final verse: “When we’ve been there ten thousand years …” It was added anonymously years later. I’m not sure the sixth verse improves the song at all.
Yes, I know that some people will be downright hurt by the fact that I don’t like “Amazing Grace.” I might as well go around kicking puppies and saying UT plays lousy football, too. I’ll settle for this: I’ll let my congregation use “Amazing Grace” any time, as long as they understand what “grace” means and they use the fourth verse.
Just don’t sing it at my funeral.
The Rev. Robert Countiss is senior pastor at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church in Knoxville District. Reprinted with permission
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