The Hymn That Went Viral Before TikTok: Amazing Grace

“Amazing Grace” may be the most famous hymn ever written — sung at funerals and protests, in cathedrals and stadiums. But its origins are stranger, darker, and more powerful than most people realize. Born from the pen of John Newton, a former slave trader turned pastor, the hymn’s journey from an obscure English parish to a global anthem of hope is a story of sin, redemption, and the surprising ways theology goes viral. In this episode, we trace how a simple song crossed oceans, fueled revivals, was adopted by enslaved communities, and became the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement. It’s the story of how one man’s confession became the world’s hymn.