John Knox for Armchair Theologians
Overview
This volume in the popular Armchair series presents a short and reader-friendly introduction to the tumultuous life and theology of the fiery reformer John Knox. As leader of the Scottish Reformation, Knox notably came into conflict with the Roman Catholic Church, particularly Queen Mary. He was also an outspoken advocate for education and care for the poor, and is widely regarded as the founder of the Church of Scotland. Each chapter includes a description of Knox’s activities as well as a discussion of key texts that introduce Knox’s theological convictions. Expertly written by Suzanne McDonald, this book offers an intriguing introduction to the life and work of this major theological figure.
In the Logos edition, this valuable volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Highlights the life, mission, and message of John Knox
- Offers knowledge from field experts in a simple and playful presentation
- Features witty illustrations by Ron Hill
Top Highlights
“On March 25, to universal astonishment, the fifty-year-old Knox married the seventeen-year-old Margaret Stewart, a daughter of an old friend of his, Lord Ochiltree. While the age difference between them caused something of a scandal, Mary was furious to the point of threatening to banish him into exile because Knox had dared to marry a member of the royal house of Stewart.” (Pages 111–112)
“The structure is simple and centered around preaching. So, worship begins with a prayer of confession, followed by everyone singing a psalm, and then the minister prays for the assistance of the Holy Spirit before he begins his sermon. Following the sermon are prayers of intercession for the church and the government, the singing of another psalm, and a blessing. When the Lord’s Supper is to be celebrated, it is to be done seated around a table, just as was Knox’s practice in Northumberland and as was one of his major points of resistance to the 1552 Book of Common Prayer.” (Pages 89–90)
“The Book of Discipline had a lasting impact in the area of education reform. At the time, Scotland was considered to be one of the more educationally backward nations in Europe. If the proposals in The Book of Discipline had been adopted, it would have become the first European nation to introduce compulsory universal basic education. The visionary intent was to ensure that all children, regardless of economic status, be given sufficient education to be able to read, to learn the catechism, and to understand the basics of Latin.” (Page 94)
“With Knox, more than with many other theologians of his era, his writing is so intensively bound up with specific historical events that we can’t simply transplant his ideas into our time and place. And for that matter, it also means that neither should we sit too easily in judgment on what he said and did. We have to respect him first and foremost as a man of his time.” (Pages 141–142)
- Title: John Knox for Armchair Theologians
- Author: Suzanne McDonald
- Series: W. J. K. Armchair
- Publisher: Westminster John Knox
- Publication Date: 2013
- Pages: 174
- Resource Type: Biographies, Introductions
- Topic: John Knox