Doctrinal Statement

The story that Newton tells is explicitly Christian. It's literally evangelical. The oratorio follows the paths of three very different men— Newton the wicked slaver, Cowper the depressed poet, Scott the pompous minister— as all three are called by God to turn from their sin and trust Christ. This is more than mere fiction; it's a depiction of the reality of God's grace in salvation. Newton intends not just to entertain its audience, but to move its audience to wonder and worship.

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Since worship is the goal, we feel it is appropriate for Newton's chorus to be comprised only of singers who actually possess the Christian faith they'll be proclaiming. If you're not a Christian— if you can't testify to the sweetness of amazing grace— then this is not the choral opportunity for you. Come to the concert as part of the audience!

 

While there is no specific denominational requirement for singers, we are seeking Christians who affirm basic Nicene, Protestant, evangelical theology.

 

• We believe Jesus is the fully divine and fully human Son of God, whose death and resurrection is the only means by which people can have forgiveness of their sins and eternal life.
   

• We believe that the guilt of our sins was entirely charged against Him on the cross.
   

• We believe that when we trust in Him, God credits Christ's righteousness to us and pronounces us to be righteous for His sake.
   

• Therefore we have each personally believed in Jesus as our fully sufficient and exclusive Savior from sin.
   

• Further, we have committed ourselves to holy living, in accordance with the character of Jesus Christ and the commands of the New Testament.

These affirmations are not exhaustive. The Bible itself— as the inspired and infallible Word of God that speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality, and the proper conduct of mankind— is the sole and final source of all that we believe. For purposes of the Newton chorale's practice and policy, the chorale director, in consultation with partners at University of Northwestern, will provide interpretive authority on the Bible’s meaning and application for the organization.