John Newton Old

John Newton

From enslaved to slave trader to Amazing Grace

Using his voice to right a great wrong

How could a man guilty of selling Africans into slavery compose one of our most beloved hymns? Irreverent, foul-mouthed John Newton began his life at sea as a deserting sailor, then became a slave, and finally a slave trader. He shamelessly transported kidnapped Africans across the Atlantic in the bowels of his ship. But after a dramatic conversion, John begins to comprehend the great evil of slavery. Upon returning to England, John becomes a respected pastor and writes hymns and sermons that change the world. Yet his conscience still aches. John hopes to forget his slaving days, but when his friend William Wilberforce begs him to join the fight to abolish the slave trade, John must make a choice. Will he confront the terrible sins of his checkered past and speak out to end the injustice of slavery? In this episode of the Torchlighters, meet the author of Amazing Grace and learn how God’s grace set him free. Read more about John Newton on the Torchlighters blog.

Kids

Play our John Newton quiz and check out other fun activities here!

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Curriculum

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Torchlighter Reviews

What People are Saying

5/5

“Wonderfully Crafted”

This series is wonderfuly crafted, tells beautiful stories of faith, motivates me to live a Christ-centered life and deepens my love for God.

Melissa R.

5/5

“Completely Recommend”

We are so thankful that we can use these videos as part of our homeschooling. The packets that go with the videos are fabulous. I completely recommend this entire series.

Hillary W.

5/5

“Favorite Childrens Series”

This is my favorite children’s series, bar none. I think that my wife and I enjoyed the DVD’s as much as the children.

Scott Kemp

John Newton

“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."