I like Murray's suggestion that we hear from someone who is a bit of an expert on Newton and the slave trade.

However, that the broader issue is whether it matters what kind of brute Newton was (or was not). I'm hearing most folks say it doesn't matter, as long as either 1) it's a good song or 2)he turned into a good guy later. I respect that.

I suspect that Newton didn't turn into much of a good guy until late in life, which is always the easiest time to do so. Do whatever it takes to make your money (Newton invested money in the slave trade long after he quit slaving) and then after you've secured a comfy nest egg start doing getting all moral about stuff, but never to the extent that your conscience tells you actually to relinquish any of your naughtily acquired gain. Best of both worlds, wealthy and feeling clean.

Sigh, . . .