THE WORLD OF FAITH

SEPTEMBER 2026

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HOW SWEET THE SOUND

by Cathy Carter and read by Nancy Steffens

Please listen as Cheryl Johnson sings the first two versus of the hymn Amazing Grace

In the early part of the 2nd century CE the Roman emperor Pliny described hearing a group of Christians singing "a hymn to Christ as to a god (Pliny, Letters, 10.96.)." What Christians understood as resurrection of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost inspired them to sing with jubilation. But singing in worship is not just a Christian tradition. Ancient Israeli Jews were instructed in the Scriptures to praise God with instruments and song.

Psalm 100 tells the people to “Make a joyful noise to the Lord …”

Psalm 150 instructs worshippers....

  • “Praise him with trumpet sound;
  • praise him with lute and harp!
  • Praise him with tambourine and dance;
  • praise him with strings and pipe!”

Psalms are still sung in worship around the world, but the early church moved past the tradition of singing the Psalms in a burst of creativity for hymn writers. This has continued for more than the two-thousand years of the existence of Christianity.

Hymns are poetry; they are the words of the worship song. The music to which the words are set is called the hymn tune. Famous hymn writers across the centuries include Isaac Watts, who came to be called the Father of English Hymnody, and John and Charles Wesley. These writers created hymns that are beloved by Christians around the world. But perhaps the most famous hymn of all was written in 1772 by English hymn-writer and minister John Newton. The lyrics for Amazing Grace were written to illustrate a sermon Newton was preparing. The tune of the hymn known today was written by William Walker and was called New Britain. The tune was published in 1835.

Although it has its roots in England, Amazing Grace has become an integral part of the American church experience. It is frequently sung in worship, in celebration of God's love. It is also sung to comfort those who have experienced tragedy and loss.

The lyrics of Amazing Grace

  • 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.
  • Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
  • and grace my fears relieved;
  • how precious did that grace appear
  • the hour I first believed!
  • The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
  • the sun forbear to shine;
  • but God, who called me here below,
  • will be forever mine.

Verse one is probably the most well-known of the entire hymn. Even non-Christians sing these words during times of sorrow and reflection.

It is sometimes the case that even Christians singing the words do not know their meaning.

Grace is a Christian theological concept, one of the most precious for any believer. Grace comes from God, and it undergirds all other spiritual concepts. According to Christian theology, grace is unmerited. It cannot be earned. It is grace through which God’s forgiveness comes. It is grace that provides redemption and salvation. It is grace that upholds the weak and forgives the sinner. It is through grace that God stands with his people.

The theological writer, Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, penned these words about grace in 1 Corinthians 12:9: ... “he (that is, God) said to me [Paul], my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul responds, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Amazing Grace is an autobiography of its lyricist. Newton grew up without any particular religious conviction. He served for a time in the British Royal Navy and after leaving the service he became involved in the slave trade. On board a ship in 1748 an especially severe storm struck and battered the ship mercilessly. In his fear, Newton cried out to the god in whom he did not believe for help. The moment marked a spiritual turning point for him and soon after he was ordained a minister in the Church of England.

The hymn, along with its tune, went on to become one of the most beloved in the world. It has been recorded by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin and Judy Collins. Mahalia Jackson recorded it in 1947. Many more could be included in this list. Perhaps one of the most famous renditions came from President Barack Obama, who sang it extemporaneously during his eulogy of Pastor Clementa Pinckney who was assassinated during a mass shooting in a Charleston, South Carolina church.

Watch President Obama sing the hymn Amazing Grace

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