If you’re looking for some weekend entertainment for the whole family, head to your multiplex and see Walden Media’s movie “Amazing Grace.”
Now, this is not a movie based on Newton or his iconic hymn. Rather, it’s an historical perspective on Englishman William Wilberforce and his parliamentary fight against Britain’s commercial slavery. The elder Newton, played by the great Albert Finney, is featured in about twenty minutes of footage.
I’ve seen the pre-release twice now, and continue to marvel at how beautifully the scenes are acted and shot. It’s as if the History Channel swept in, filmed, removed all the voice-over, and said, “Let us educate and move you at the same time.”
I am not an authority on Wilberforce, so I have to assume the scenes depicting his protracted struggle are mostly accurate—his Parliamentary tactics, his core group of abolitionists, his faith, his personal relationships. I am, however, an authority on Newton, so I was a little disappointed that the filmmakers portrayed him as a rough and ragged priest, mopping his church floors in sackcloth. In truth, Newton was rather refined…but this is Hollywood taking their usual liberties.
If you read my book, The Longing Season—the story behind the young Newton and how that period of his life helped shape his hymn “Amazing Grace”—you’ll notice some inconsistencies between the film and the truth. Example: Early in the plot, Wilberforce stands on a pub table and announces he’ll sing a hymn by his old friend, the priest who was a slave ship captain for twenty years. It is well documented in Newton’s autobiography and subsequent biographies that Newton captained a slave ship for less than five years, then retired from the sea for health reasons. Likewise, the famous melody “New Britain” that we and Wilberforce sing was not attached to the lyrics until 1835—well after both he and Newton were dead.
So. I’ve now had my say. But don’t let any of these inconsistencies stop you from seeing such a wonderful and timely film. Think of The Longing Season as a primer and the “Amazing Grace” movie as a complement. My book introduces the conflicted young man who becomes one of many powerful voices for humanity decades later. The subjects of slavery and redemption are still weighty and poignant today, and there’s nothing like a good read and an afternoon in a darkened theatre to explore one’s mind and soul.
From Jody Moreen- compiler of book penned by John Newton,1700's "Letters and Reflections to My Adopted Daughters"
Dear Christine, I was thrilled to hear about your book, The Longing Season, and your fascinating study of the true life of John Newton, hymn writer, Amazing Grace! I will share about your book with all my online groups I host- especially this week of the movie release!
I too found out some amazing truths about John Newton in study. I bought a vintage copy of John Newton's 21 letters to his adopted daughter penned in 1700's,published by the American Tract society in 1800's. I contacted them for I was SO moved by the letters as a daughter and also an adoptee as his 2 daughters- his orphaned nieces on his wife Polly's side. My leather bound vintage book find on ebay was published by the American Tract Society and they gave me their blessings to reprint his letters and another narrative about his other adopted daughter that they published also in 1800- Desiring that others not MISS this godly man's love for his daughters and his stellar example of godly parenting as seen in his letters to Elizabeth and narrative of his other daughter Eliza's strong faith in Jesus shown the last 3 weeks of her short life- dying of tuberculosis. No one reads of the FATHER- John Newton. A beautiful loving father!!
I long to go to Olney England and see Newton's museum where my book is now in their shop! Visited London 2 years ago and missed it! Blessings, Jody Moreen
Editor Adoption Blessings Journal
Posted by: Jody Moreen | February 22, 2007 at 12:35 PM
I hope you'll announce your 3rd book in the "Music" series soon. I'm librarian for our small church in rural Iowa, and have already received memorial money earmarked for that 3rd book. We usually purchase thru Christian Book Distributers(but not always.)
Will your third Music book be about "O Love, That Wilt Not Let Me Go?" That song has a special meaning for me, as it ran thru my mind daily when my husband was in hospice over 17 years ago. What will the title be? And when is the projected date of publication? Thanks for adding this info to your column.........or even better, for answering this e-mail, if possible. Jeanette Korrect, Laurens, Iowa
Posted by: Jeanette Korrect | March 01, 2007 at 11:15 AM