why did captain newton believe the slave trade had a negative moral influence on the slave ship english crews?

Captain Newton, a former slave ship captain, believed that the slave trade had a negative moral influence on the English crews for several reasons. To understand his perspective, let's explore how we can arrive at this understanding:

1. Historical context: Captain Newton lived during the 18th century, a time when the transatlantic slave trade was at its peak. Slavery involved the capture, transport, and enslavement of African people, who were then forced to work on plantations primarily in the Americas.

2. Personal experience: Captain Newton himself participated in the slave trade as a ship captain. He was directly involved in the buying, transporting, and selling of enslaved individuals. With first-hand experience, he witnessed the inhumane conditions, cruelty, and suffering inflicted upon the enslaved people.

3. Ethical reasoning: Due to his involvement in the slave trade, Captain Newton began questioning the morality of his actions. Over time, he started to recognize the inherent cruelty and oppression within the system. Witnessing the brutal treatment of enslaved individuals and the dehumanizing conditions they endured, Newton's conscience began to awaken.

4. Religious conversion: One pivotal factor that led to Captain Newton's change of heart was his religious conversion. He became a devout Christian and began studying the Bible extensively. Through his religious teachings, particularly the principles of love, compassion, and the inherent value of all human beings, Newton developed a profound moral conflict regarding his involvement in the slave trade.

5. Abolitionist movement: Captain Newton became an advocate for the abolition of the slave trade and an influential figure in the British abolitionist movement. He penned the influential hymn "Amazing Grace," which reflected his personal transformation from a slave trader to an abolitionist.

In conclusion, Captain Newton believed that the slave trade had a negative moral influence on the English crews due to his firsthand experience, ethical reasoning, religious conversion, and involvement in the abolitionist movement. Through these factors, he came to recognize the inherent cruelty and injustice of the slave trade, leading him to repent and actively work towards the abolition of slavery.

You may find your answer in this site.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Newton#His_Thoughts_Upon_the_African_Slave_Trade