{"id":28864,"date":"2021-07-24T09:12:16","date_gmt":"2021-07-24T16:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/admin.patheos.com\/blogs\/monkeymind\/?p=28864"},"modified":"2021-07-24T11:59:55","modified_gmt":"2021-07-24T18:59:55","slug":"a-small-zen-reflection-on-the-enlightenment-experience-of-john-newton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/monkeymind\/2021\/07\/a-small-zen-reflection-on-the-enlightenment-experience-of-john-newton.html","title":{"rendered":"A Small Zen Reflection on John Newton’s Enlightenment Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

\"John<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

These days I find myself reflecting on the nature of awakening, enlightenment, or, if you will, conversion.<\/p>\n

For me the great turning is a human thing, some lovely mystery that we are all of us invited to. And many of us in our different cultures and religions seek.<\/p>\n

And find.<\/p>\n

But, what in fact is it? Certainly a turning. But, is it sudden or gradual? Is it out of the blue, or is cultivation a significant, maybe essential part of the matter?<\/p>\n

As it happens John Newton was born on this day, the 24th of July, in 1725 in East London. He was, if you\u2019ve forgotten, the author of Amazing Grace.<\/p>\n

His story encapsulates many of the questions about the awakening experience. And is worth considering. He had determined to be a sailor and had some experience at sea, when shortly after signing on to a merchant ship he was pressed into Royal Navy.<\/p>\n