John Knox (1) (1514–1572)
Author of History of the Reformation in Scotland
For other authors named John Knox, see the disambiguation page.
About the Author
Scottish theologian and leader of the Reformation in Scotland, John Knox was born near Haddington in Lothian. After attending university, probably at St. Andrews, Knox returned to Haddington, where he entered the Catholic priesthood in about 1540. He also became tutor to the sons of several show more influential families with political ties to Protestant reformers. Knox's sympathies for Reformation doctrines soon were revealed by his support of George Wishart, a Scottish Reformer who was put to death for heresy in 1546. During the years of political and religious turmoil in Scotland, Knox was captured by French forces in 1547 and held prisoner until 1549. From this experience, he emerged as the voice of the Scottish Reformation, convinced of his calling to defeat the Catholic church, which he now termed "the synagogue of Satan." After his release from prison, he worked with the Protestant regency ruling for Edward IV in England and helped shape The Book of Common Prayer. When the Catholic Mary Tudor came to the English throne in 1553, Knox left England and eventually moved to Geneva, where his strong Presbyterian beliefs were finally forged from the teachings of John Calvin. In Calvin's "Bible Commonwealth" at Geneva, Knox had found the ideals of the true Protestant church. His mission became one of wiping out the vestiges of Catholicism in Scotland by leading the true church to enforce its strict religious beliefs and rules of conduct on individuals. To achieve this, Knox reasserted Calvin's conviction of the people's right to overthrow any ruler who attempts to enforce the supremacy of false doctrine (Catholicism) on their subjects. In 1559 Knox returned to Scotland, where he led a group of Protestant nobles intent on ending the power of the Roman Catholic church and overthrowing Mary Stuart. He was now recognized as the leader of the Reform movement. Even before this, however, he had begun to encourage the organization of reformed congregations that assumed the authority to choose their own ministers and elders. Backed by the Scottish Parliament, which outlawed the celebration of Mass, he framed the Confession of Faith and summoned the first General Assembly of the Reformed Church. The articles of the Presbyterian faith that were established were modeled on Calvin's views on theology and church governance. The arrival of Mary Queen of Scots in 1561 touched off years of conflict in Scotland that ended only with her forced abdication in 1567. During this period, Knox defied Mary's authority, denounced her private masses as a disguised attempt to restore outlawed Catholic worship, and tirelessly championed the doctrines of the Reformed church. By the time of Knox's death in 1572, Catholicism in Scotland had been vanquished. Knox's Reformed church now prevailed, resting firmly on the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination and the elect of God. And its severe strictures of right conduct and morality were permanently joined to the ascendant role of the congregation in church government. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Works by John Knox
Selected Writings of John Knox. Public Epistles, Treatises & Expositions to the Year 1559 (1995) 40 copies
The Works of John Knox, Volume 2 (of 6) 28 copies
True & false worship: A vindication of the doctrine that the sacrifice of the mass is idolatry (1988) 23 copies
The Confessional Presbyterian: A Journal for Discussion of Presbyterian Doctrine & Practice (2011) 10 copies
Reformation Bookshelf CD (Volume 1 of 30) The Works of John Knox (6 Volumes) and Various Other Books About John Knox and (2002) 4 copies
A Fort for the Afflicted 2 copies
A Sermon 1 copy
Answer to a Jesuit 1 copy
On Justification by Faith 1 copy
Life of John Knox 1 copy
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Reviews
Um livro introdutório à vida de oração de um grande homem de Deus, John Knox. Após apresentar um pouco sobre a biografia deste, o autor traz de forma sistemática uma série de orações sobre os mais diversos temas. Knox, temido pela rainha por suas orações, tem muito a nos ensinar por meio deste livro.
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL WHO SEEK TO UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH AT THE TIME OF JOHN KNOX, AND THE SCOTISH REFORMATION
A Brief Exhortation to England, for the Speedy Embracing of the Gospel Heretofore by the Tyranny of Mary Suppressed and Banished by John Knox
"Formerly titled A BRIEF EXHORTATION TO ENGLAND FOR THE SPEEDY EMBRACING OF THE GOSPEL, 1559. Mitchell in The Scottish Reformation (p. 80) cites Dr. Merle D'Aubigné on Knox: 'The blood of warriors ran in the veins of the man who was to become one of the most intrepid champions of Christ's army . . . He was active, bold, thoroughly upright and perfectly honest, diligent in his duties, and full of heartiness for his comrades.' The warrior in Knox was certainly roused for battle in this show more production. Kevin Reed (Selected Writings of John Knox), p. 580 comments, 'Some historians have reflected negatively on the vehemence of Knox's remarks. Perhaps they should peruse the long list of the martyrs named in the appendix to this work. Critics may then find a clue for understanding the reformer's zeal. Knox is discussing serious matters of life and death -- spiritual issues which affect us deeply in this life, and for eternity.' Magistrates everywhere today need to hear this message again; God has not changed -- there are still corporate curses for disobedience at a national level and corporate blessings for those nations 'that kiss the Son' (cf. Psalm 2)." -- SWRB show less
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