Ex-Christian Musician REWRITES Famous Hymn 'Amazing Grace'

Singer-songwriter Michael Gungor, who deconstructed his faith a few years ago, is now doing the church a favor (or so he thinks) by rewriting John Newton’s famous hymn “Amazing Grace.”

Gungor recently posted some of his revised lyrics on Instagram, adding the comment: “A Wretch like me?? No thanks.”

I guess Gungor didn’t like that part. And I can see why. It offends our modern sensibilities and flies in the face of the current cultural mantra: You are enough.

When John Newton calls himself a “wretch,” this isn’t meant to be an insult. It’s meant to be an accurate description of reality.

In Romans 7:24, Paul uses the word when he says, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”

Jesus uses the same word in Revelation 3:17. He tells the Church in Laodicea, “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”

Notice Jesus calls the lukewarm people in Laodicea “wretched” to describe their spiritual state. Now, we may say, “No thanks,” like Gungor, or we can say we don’t like it. But that doesn’t mean it’s not true.

#RedPenLogic #Christianity #Apologetics

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[anne.ominous]

I don’t see how anyone (religious or irreligious) can look at humankind and think we aren’t broken. It could not be more self-evident.

[Theonewhoknocks]

Believing you’re not broken is a dangerous amount of pride.

[Rosa-etcv]

“Saved a wretch like me” is one of my favorite lyrics of all time. Blunt and very humbling.

[chasing_rebels]

I'm not offended by calling myself a wretch. I know who I would be without Him, and it's a comfort to know I can't measure up or be enough, but that because through Jesus and his work on the cross, I am enough. Praise God for rescuing me from my wretchedness and saving me, and making me a new creation!

[TrePryorRealtor]

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, they shall heap to themselves teachers in accordance with their own lusts." 2 Timothy 4:3

[rolfyoutube]

Deconstruction is simply someone creating an idol, i.e. themselves, in an attempt to replace God. Always a fruitless attempt.

[Norbingel]

Gungor must be an amazing individual to be able to look at himself and think "I'm perfect the way I am".

[DJWidget]

As a wretch, I'm offended by this erasure of myself from the song.

[johnkelley]

Amazing Grace is a hymn I have always related to because I am a wretch in need of our Savior Jesus Christ. I have regrets and weaknesses so I need the mercy, love and strength of Jesus.

[HagerVids]

I am not worth it but I am not worthless. Thank you Jesus!

[robertpreisser]

The other important point is that re-writing this misses the powerful personal testimony and changed life of John Newton. He was a slaver, who was convicted and repented of his “wretched” life. He KNEW he was a sinner, as an ex-slaver, and KNEW he was indeed wretched. But God’s love was greater than his wretchedness. THAT’s the BEAUTY of the song that sadly Gungor misses completely.

[thegoodiemen]

I can't even imagine thinking I'm not broken even if I weren't Christian. Does this guy literally have no regrets?

[sneaksyranger]

It is very sad to see how those who "deconstruct" never understood Christianity.

[ameribeaner]

Deconstructs Christianity and is compelled to rewrite an anti-slavery pro-abolition hymn. It's almost like becoming anti-Christian means you don't believe that all humans are created equal.

[davidheaton]

He who says I have not sinned makes him a liar and the truth is not in him

[samaxechuckfinley]

Thank You JESUS (Yeshua) The Messiah...
For spilling your precious Blood for an Unworthy and Wretched Man like Me!

[NC_]

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭34:18‬ ‭AMPC‬‬
[18] The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.

God helped me realize that our deepest appreciation for the cross can only come from the fullest recognition of our sin.

Thank you for your ministry sir 🙏.

[HagerVids]

What a beautiful God I serve. I was created by Him and for Him. All I have is from Him. All that is taken is by Him. He will never leave nor forsake me. He cannot lie. What he promises will happen.

[mombeaubob]

I am wretched but, praise Jesus, redeemed.

[sol-hunter]

"None are blameless" "For all fall short of the glory of God."

If we didn't need fixing or saving, why would we need Jesus?