Opinion on something religious/non-religious based

[JPie1]

Do you think the song Amazing Grace is a religious based song? yes or no? They have thrown this into a elementary school chorus presentation and this is particular presentation is supposed to be Americana...what do you think? Does Amazing Grace belong or am I being one of those nitpicky moms...I have not said a word to the school but I am not loving this. What do yo think??

 

[xSamanthax]

It is one of the most common Christian hymns out there...for the last couple hundred years.

The lyrics are pretty clear...and the man who wrote it says it was religiously based and motivated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_grace

Whether or not you are being nit picky isn't really for me to say. As a parent, I can only advise to pick your battles wisely. Some aren't worth fighting.

I can tell you that I did a whole year of chorus that focused on American folk music. Christian hymns never came into play.

 

[JPie1]

well I don't get my pants in a bunch often but I am Jewish and the school is supposed to be doing things non denominational. And when does Amazing Grace come into a recital about American Songs??

 

[xSamanthax]

well I don't get my pants in a bunch often but I am Jewish and the school is supposed to be doing things non denominational. And when does Amazing Grace come into a recital about American Songs??

it shouldn't, imo. The man who wrote it was English, not American. As far as I know, he was never in America either. The song is not about America, doesn't take place in America...not seeing any real connection to America!

The only thing american about the song is that...americans like it, lol.

 

[GarreleFeet]

It IS religious, but (once again, one of my how-the-world-should-be statements) no one make a news story of it. Religion should be freely expressed, not restricted. Other religions are not being ignored or abused; let beliefs be expressed.

 

[JPie1]

thank you, I value all opinions.

 

[terorizer]

The intent of the song is almost unquestionably religious. The author is writing about his Lord's grace. You could make the argument it's faith vs religion. Even if you did though, the guy was English. So I suppose you could just sing the first verse and say it has nothing to with religion, but that still wouldn't explain what it's doing in a presentation about Americana. Near as I can tell, the strongest connection between the author (and hence his song) and America is the slaves he brought here.

 

[Texas_Tickle]

Do you think the song Amazing Grace is a religious based song? yes or no?

Good question. I guess anything can be religious if you want it too. My friend tells me 'Particle Man' from They May be Giants is a holy song.

So surte... why not

 

[subtle_feather]

Good question. I guess anything can be religious if you want it too. My friend tells me 'Particle Man' from They May be Giants is a holy song.

So surte... why not

Particle man comes from a book about mathematical ideas called Flatland, in case you were curious. Now take that information and beat your friend over the head with it!

 

[dskodj]

Do you think the song Amazing Grace is a religious based song? yes or no? They have thrown this into a elementary school chorus presentation and this is particular presentation is supposed to be Americana...what do you think? Does Amazing Grace belong or am I being one of those nitpicky moms...I have not said a word to the school but I am not loving this. What do yo think??

it's religious the last i checked..i think you should most def stand up and tell the school what you think. personally im in 100% agreement with what your feelings are on this. don't sit down and take it, fight it! its not right and they shouldn't get away with it.

and btw, good to see your still hangin round here j 🙂 its always nice to see folks from the good ol days still posting (even if its non tickle subjects)..i dont feel so lost out here now LOL

 

[JPie1]

thank you, us 70's loving disco people never go away. I am not on often anymore but could not stay away. Crazy me.

 

[BrightEyes1082]

It's definitely a Christian hymn. Here is some history from amazinggracemovie.com (which was an awesome movie, BTW).

John Newton (played by Albert Finney in Amazing Grace) wrote the words to one of the most beloved hymns of all time between 1760 and 1770, while working as an evangelical pastor. Son of the commander of a merchant ship, Newton was captain of a slave ship for many years, until he underwent a dramatic religious conversion while steering his vessel through a storm.

Repenting and regretting the misery he had inflicted on the thousands of human cargo he had transported across the Middle Passage for many years, he devoted his life to the Church, and wrote the lyrics to many hymns which are still popular today.

In 1780 Newton left Olney to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, St. Mary Woolchurch, in London. There he drew large congregations and influenced many, among them William Wilberforce. Newton continued to preach until the last year of life, although he was blind by that time. He died in London December 21, 1807.

 

[JPie1]

well the title of this concert is called "American Celebration" kids are being asked to wear red white and blue....I happen to think Amazing Grace is a beautiful song and very poignant, it just doesn't belong in this concert.


During a holiday concert back in december they had the kids sing songs from every holiday background, they respresented all denominations and the kids then ate from dishes people brought in for celebrating, it was a beautiful way to share.