I am Protestant and even I can't stand "Amazing Grace". Overdone, difficult for congregations to sing, and it drones on and on.
It does go on and on and on and on, doesn't it. Seems like it never ends. And I am sitting there as though I am deaf. Not singing at all.
A good bagpipe version of "Amazing Grace" is a necessary accompaniment to any wake I'm at.
Hmmmmmm.
I still remember sitting in the Chinese congregation at the government church the first time Amazing Grace was sung. What preciousness. Tears of joy filled my heart and face. I felt transported Heavenward.
imho, one reason some folks have antipathy for Amazing Grace is a flawed perspective on themselves and on What God's done for them through HIS AMAZING GRACE.
A Baptist PhD boss; ex Navy wing CDR refused to sing "such a worm as I" and sang instead "such a man as I." I think he missed out on some spiritual treasure and richness in that stance.
Over used. Even the heathen sing it.
Try using a different tune. For example, use the tune of "Peaceful Easy Feeling" by the Eagles. For the verses, sing the lyrics of Amazing Grace; for the chorus, sing:
I got a peaceful, easy feeling
My Jesus won't let me down
'Cause He's already risen
from the ground....
Even worse, the words of AG can also be adapted to the Gilligan's Island theme (ugh!) or AC/DC's Highway to Hell (with the chorus, "I'm singin' Hallelujah... Hallelujah..."
It's fun to mess with people's heads that way. But it ain't worship.
Obviously, you've never heard it sung by Wintley Phipps. The song will never be the same, once you do. Just Google "Wintley Phipps Amazing Grace".