John Knox

Bitesize Biographies

by John J. Murray

John J.Murray shows how Knox, as well as modelling the Church in Scotland, laid the foundation of an extraordinary forward-looking new state, way ahead of the time in such matters as education, social welfare and democracy. The Reformation had its effect in all spheres of national life and John Knox roused the common man to a sense of his true dignity. Knox himself said: 'Before God all men are equal. In matters of religion God requires no less of the subject, be he ever so poor, than of the prince and the rich man.'

Educationally the Reformation gave a great impetus to literacy as the common people learned to read the Bible for themselves. Knox brought forward the first comprehensive scheme of national education, where every parish would have a schoolmaster and every notable town a college, and where the children of the poor would have their education free. The importance of education became a basic characteristic of the Scots both at home and abroad.

Genres: Biography, Church History

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2011

Reviews

[Sean McGowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, but gives you a good overview of Knox and the Reformation in Scotland.

[Kenny Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lively bit of local history for here in St Andrews!
Not sure I agree with ‘the ends justify the means’ conclusion which defends Knox’s lack of meekness.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diligent man, underwent many hardships.

[Alasdair Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring but perhaps a bit too "bitesize".