John Knox And The Reformation

Andrew Langs John Knox And The Reformation delivers a rigorous examination of the Scottish cleric whose uncompromising sermons and theological polemics spearheaded Protestantisms ascendancy in 16th-century Scotland. The narrative traces Knoxs evolution from a Catholic notary to a galvanizing reformer, emphasizing his exile in Geneva under Calvins mentorship and his pivotal role in drafting the Scots Confession of 1560.

Langs account juxtaposes Knoxs ideological clashes with Mary Queen of Scots against broader European Reformation currents, revealing how his First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women inflamed tensions with Tudor and Stuart monarchies. Central themes include the democratization of worship through vernacular liturgy, the destruction of Catholic iconography, and the establishment of Presbyterian kirk governance.

Rich in primary source analysis, the work illuminates Knoxs paradoxical legacy as both a liberator from papal authority and a divisive figure whose rigor alienated moderates. It serves as an essential resource for scholars of ecclesiastical history and Reformation-era political theory, offering nuanced insights into the interplay of faith and power in early modern Europe.