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Therefore the Truth I Speak: Scottish Theology 1500-1700
The Scottish church was forever altered by the arrival of the Reformation in the sixteenth century. Its legacy endured, and provoked a flurry of theological re-examinations which form the foundation for much of our modern understanding of Reformed Theology. In this informed and accessible historical study, Donald MacLeod, one of Scotland's current leading theologians, looks to the past to assess the impact of prominent theologians of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, always with an eye to demonstrating how their writings speak to contemporary challenges facing the Church today.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2020
12 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Donald MacLeod
40 books13 followersDonald MacLeod is a Scottish theologian.
Macleod studied at the University of Glasgow and the Free Church College before being ordained as a minister of the Free Church of Scotland in 1964. He served as professor of systematic theology at the Free Church College from 1978 to 2011, and as principal from 1999 to 2010.
In 1996, Macleod was cleared of allegations that he had sexually assaulted four women. The Sheriff court found that "the women had all lied in the witness box to further the ends of Professor Macleod's enemies in the Free Church of Scotland." A number of people who believed Macleod should be put on trial by the General Assembly then formed the Free Church Defence Association and ultimately a new denomination, the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). However, Johnston McKay notes that although on the surface the split was about Donald Macleod, he believes it was about theology since Macleod belonged to the more "modernizing" wing of the Free Church.
In 2011, a Festschrift was published in Macleod's honor. The People's Theologian: Writings in Honour of Donald Macleod (ISBN 1845505840) included contributions from Richard Gaffin, Derek Thomas, and Carl Trueman.
Macleod studied at the University of Glasgow and the Free Church College before being ordained as a minister of the Free Church of Scotland in 1964. He served as professor of systematic theology at the Free Church College from 1978 to 2011, and as principal from 1999 to 2010.
In 1996, Macleod was cleared of allegations that he had sexually assaulted four women. The Sheriff court found that "the women had all lied in the witness box to further the ends of Professor Macleod's enemies in the Free Church of Scotland." A number of people who believed Macleod should be put on trial by the General Assembly then formed the Free Church Defence Association and ultimately a new denomination, the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). However, Johnston McKay notes that although on the surface the split was about Donald Macleod, he believes it was about theology since Macleod belonged to the more "modernizing" wing of the Free Church.
In 2011, a Festschrift was published in Macleod's honor. The People's Theologian: Writings in Honour of Donald Macleod (ISBN 1845505840) included contributions from Richard Gaffin, Derek Thomas, and Carl Trueman.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 11, 2021
One of the most interesting and exciting theological books I’ve read. Excellent scholarship and a pastoral tone.
October 16, 2021
Fantastic book. MacLeod does something that is hard to do for one person-cover two hundred years of a paticular field. Not only does he do it, but he does it well. This was a wonderful read and truly is a great introduction to Scottish Theology.
February 14, 2023
A very good book except for a few scattered comments. The author does a good job weaving together history and theology in his account of Scottish theology 1500-1700.
The few places where I was disappointed were pretty minor compared to the book as a whole and were mostly some off hand comments in his application to modern times or a few times where his (respectful) criticism of his subjects isn’t convincing (for example, he critiques Rutherford with the Westminster Confession’s statement on the judicial laws, as if it said that the judicial laws apply as to their general equity only to individuals and churches, even though it is expressly speaking of states). But it is a well written and helpful book overall and worth reading.
Here is one things I learned from the book. Macleod explains that the presbytery, as an assembly of elders between the local kirk session and the regional synod, developed in Scotland from the weekly “Exercise” in which local ministers would meet together to study Scripture. In the weekly Exercise, several of the ministers would take turns expositing a particular text, and people from the churches usually came to listen as well. This was a practice that arose early on in Reformed cities like Geneva, but in Scotland it filled the need for a level of church government between the local church session and the regional synod that met only once or twice a year due to the distance involved. In 1579, the GA replied to a question that “The exercise may be judged a presbytery,” and in 1580 began to organize presbyteries with defined boundaries, absorbing the Exercise. Even in 1705, the GA directed that presbytery meetings begin with a Presbyterial Exercise.
The few places where I was disappointed were pretty minor compared to the book as a whole and were mostly some off hand comments in his application to modern times or a few times where his (respectful) criticism of his subjects isn’t convincing (for example, he critiques Rutherford with the Westminster Confession’s statement on the judicial laws, as if it said that the judicial laws apply as to their general equity only to individuals and churches, even though it is expressly speaking of states). But it is a well written and helpful book overall and worth reading.
Here is one things I learned from the book. Macleod explains that the presbytery, as an assembly of elders between the local kirk session and the regional synod, developed in Scotland from the weekly “Exercise” in which local ministers would meet together to study Scripture. In the weekly Exercise, several of the ministers would take turns expositing a particular text, and people from the churches usually came to listen as well. This was a practice that arose early on in Reformed cities like Geneva, but in Scotland it filled the need for a level of church government between the local church session and the regional synod that met only once or twice a year due to the distance involved. In 1579, the GA replied to a question that “The exercise may be judged a presbytery,” and in 1580 began to organize presbyteries with defined boundaries, absorbing the Exercise. Even in 1705, the GA directed that presbytery meetings begin with a Presbyterial Exercise.
July 27, 2021
The new standard on the subject. Well written and researched. Good applications to our day.
January 6, 2021
This is an excellent, scholarly, recounting of the story of the church in Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries through the personalities involved. The beginning of the sixteenth century was the time of the Reformation ignited by Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg castle. Through reading the Bible, Luther re-discovered the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone. He realised that simply by believing in Jesus Christ he was made right with God and was fit for heaven. This was an abhorrent doctrine to the corrupted medieval Roman Catholic church which was committed to salvation by works. According to this teaching you had to live a good enough life to enter heaven or pay your way instead.
Early in the 16th century, the Reformation doctrines reached the shores of Scotland and Donald Macleod recounts how Patrick Hamilton (1504-1528) and George Wishart (1513-1546) were the first Scots to preach them and die as a result. Next came John Knox (c.1514 - 1572) who became famous for his fiery preaching and uncompromising adherence to the gospel. Knox was a major contributor to the Scots Confession (1560) and First Book of Discipline (1560) which became mileposts in Scotland becoming a protestant country.
In the next chapter Macleod introduces Andrew Melville (1545 - 1622), an academic recognised by his European peers, who was responsible for the production of the Second Book of Discipline (1578) which laid the foundations for Scottish presbyterianism. The following theologian Macleod presents to us is Robert Bruce (1555-1631), not to be confused with Robert Bruce, King of Scotland (1274–1329). Bruce was an apprentice of Andrew Melville and he became the Minister at St Giles, Edinburgh. He was a favourite of King James VI but later in his ministry he was exiled by the same king.
Subsequently, Macleod tells us about Alexander Henderson (c.1583-1646) who was one of the drafters of the National Covenant (1638) and, as such, was one of the founders of the reformed church in Scotland. The National Covenant rejected King Charles I attempts to impose the English Book of Common Prayer on the Scottish Church. Henderson battled for a free Scottish church and parliament. The next two theologians Macleod tells us about continued in the same line: Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), author of "Lex, Rex" and David Dickson (1583-1663). These gospel-hearted men thought long and hard about the relationship between church and state. Rutherford was an attendee at the Westminster Assembly (1643-1653) which produced the 'Westminster Confession of Faith' (1647), a summary of reformed christian doctrine. The final theologian Macleod describes is Robert Leighton (1611-1684) who became Archbishop of Glasgow, and Principal of the University of Edinburgh from 1653 to 1662. He wrote a famous commentary on 1 Peter.
I really enjoyed reading this book and finding out about these men of God who did battle for the gospel in their life and times. In our day and age it is unfashionable to be a Christian and even more unfashionable to be interested in the history of the Scottish Reformation! However, for the searcher after truth, there are treasures to be dug up in the lives of these Scottish Christians. This book contains many of them and I highly recommend it.
Early in the 16th century, the Reformation doctrines reached the shores of Scotland and Donald Macleod recounts how Patrick Hamilton (1504-1528) and George Wishart (1513-1546) were the first Scots to preach them and die as a result. Next came John Knox (c.1514 - 1572) who became famous for his fiery preaching and uncompromising adherence to the gospel. Knox was a major contributor to the Scots Confession (1560) and First Book of Discipline (1560) which became mileposts in Scotland becoming a protestant country.
In the next chapter Macleod introduces Andrew Melville (1545 - 1622), an academic recognised by his European peers, who was responsible for the production of the Second Book of Discipline (1578) which laid the foundations for Scottish presbyterianism. The following theologian Macleod presents to us is Robert Bruce (1555-1631), not to be confused with Robert Bruce, King of Scotland (1274–1329). Bruce was an apprentice of Andrew Melville and he became the Minister at St Giles, Edinburgh. He was a favourite of King James VI but later in his ministry he was exiled by the same king.
Subsequently, Macleod tells us about Alexander Henderson (c.1583-1646) who was one of the drafters of the National Covenant (1638) and, as such, was one of the founders of the reformed church in Scotland. The National Covenant rejected King Charles I attempts to impose the English Book of Common Prayer on the Scottish Church. Henderson battled for a free Scottish church and parliament. The next two theologians Macleod tells us about continued in the same line: Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), author of "Lex, Rex" and David Dickson (1583-1663). These gospel-hearted men thought long and hard about the relationship between church and state. Rutherford was an attendee at the Westminster Assembly (1643-1653) which produced the 'Westminster Confession of Faith' (1647), a summary of reformed christian doctrine. The final theologian Macleod describes is Robert Leighton (1611-1684) who became Archbishop of Glasgow, and Principal of the University of Edinburgh from 1653 to 1662. He wrote a famous commentary on 1 Peter.
I really enjoyed reading this book and finding out about these men of God who did battle for the gospel in their life and times. In our day and age it is unfashionable to be a Christian and even more unfashionable to be interested in the history of the Scottish Reformation! However, for the searcher after truth, there are treasures to be dug up in the lives of these Scottish Christians. This book contains many of them and I highly recommend it.
April 20, 2021
Absolutely Fantastic Book!!!!!!
If I wanted an intermediate book as to why I favour the Reformed understanding of faith, this is it.
Therefore the Truth I Speak by Donald Macleod (2020) is a fantastic book. Consisting of 431 pages, 13 chapters and an index, Macleod, as per the preface, provides an examination of select sections of Scottish theology with the brevity of breadth more than compensated by depth of material examined.
Macleod provides brief biographies of Scottish theologians with interesting anecdotes from their life, outlines their theology and important contributions to Reformed theology and potential implications for twenty-first century Reformed theology. Nuggets noted include Knox on underground church practice which has been discussed contemporaneously of late and discussions relating to the Regulative Principle of Worship.
A great benefit of this book is in the citations which, if explored as free on the internet, will provide months of further reading of both theological tracts along with heart-warming practical writings encouraging an experiential faith and trust in Christ. Cited works include the writing of Patrick Hamilton (Patrick’s Places) which may be easily read in a single reading session whilst the ‘Select Practical Writings of John Knox’ on Prayer (28 pages) and his exposition on Ps. 6 (on depression) were a great encouragement to read despite delaying the completion of the book, and demonstrate that Knox, as opposed to popular misunderstanding, had the caring heart of a faithful pastor. Further chapters and associated citations include, but are not limited to Robert Bruce, Samuel Rutherford and David Dickson, all of whose lives and works are explored throughout the book
The true strength of the book is enduringly theological. Macleod demonstrates that Scottish theology is continuous with, and developed from Continental Reformed theology, has influenced English theology, including the Westminster Confession of Faith, and, has pertinent historical and enduring relevance for continued theological faithfulness to Biblical truth arising from and developing from the Reformation era. The discussions on Scottish Federal Theology and Covenant Theology (in general) were insightful and thought provoking which I shall need to revisit. The focus upon Christ and His benefits shines forth in this book.
I would heartly encourage you all to read this book as its value to the development of a formed understanding of the Doctrines of Grace is invaluable.
If I wanted an intermediate book as to why I favour the Reformed understanding of faith, this is it.
Therefore the Truth I Speak by Donald Macleod (2020) is a fantastic book. Consisting of 431 pages, 13 chapters and an index, Macleod, as per the preface, provides an examination of select sections of Scottish theology with the brevity of breadth more than compensated by depth of material examined.
Macleod provides brief biographies of Scottish theologians with interesting anecdotes from their life, outlines their theology and important contributions to Reformed theology and potential implications for twenty-first century Reformed theology. Nuggets noted include Knox on underground church practice which has been discussed contemporaneously of late and discussions relating to the Regulative Principle of Worship.
A great benefit of this book is in the citations which, if explored as free on the internet, will provide months of further reading of both theological tracts along with heart-warming practical writings encouraging an experiential faith and trust in Christ. Cited works include the writing of Patrick Hamilton (Patrick’s Places) which may be easily read in a single reading session whilst the ‘Select Practical Writings of John Knox’ on Prayer (28 pages) and his exposition on Ps. 6 (on depression) were a great encouragement to read despite delaying the completion of the book, and demonstrate that Knox, as opposed to popular misunderstanding, had the caring heart of a faithful pastor. Further chapters and associated citations include, but are not limited to Robert Bruce, Samuel Rutherford and David Dickson, all of whose lives and works are explored throughout the book
The true strength of the book is enduringly theological. Macleod demonstrates that Scottish theology is continuous with, and developed from Continental Reformed theology, has influenced English theology, including the Westminster Confession of Faith, and, has pertinent historical and enduring relevance for continued theological faithfulness to Biblical truth arising from and developing from the Reformation era. The discussions on Scottish Federal Theology and Covenant Theology (in general) were insightful and thought provoking which I shall need to revisit. The focus upon Christ and His benefits shines forth in this book.
I would heartly encourage you all to read this book as its value to the development of a formed understanding of the Doctrines of Grace is invaluable.
January 31, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable read and a definitive text on Scottish historical theology. MacLeod is unmatched in his ability to write and in his knowledge of the subject material. First, I'll note the good about the book. It's well-written, easily accessible, and shows a firm grasp on the theology of the time period. MacLeod's understanding of covenant theology, ecclesiology, and the historical figures themselves are unmatched by any modern British theologian. It's an easy read too for the most part; anyone with a yearning to understand the Scottish context can be helped by this book.
Now, there are a few reasons why I gave the book three stars. First, MacLeod attempts to contextualize and bridge some of the theological gaps between 21st century readers and the historical figures. For instance, he disagrees and disregards several aspects of "Lex Rex" by Rutherford, he disagrees with Knox's treatise on the regiment of women, and disagrees with other aspects of traditional Scottish theology too. However, he doesn't interact with the stronger arguments of those historical writers. He strawmans their arguments, dismisses them, and won't interact with their stronger positions. Granted, I agree with MacLeod's positions for the most part, but he doesn't defend them well. A second area of disagreement I have is some of his choice of subject material. I thought the chapter on 20th century reactions against Scottish federal theology (primarily T.F. Torrance's and Barth's reactions) were rather weak and misplaced in the book's flow. All that to say, I loved the book! Looking forward to reading his next instalment of the Marrow Controversy and the rise of Moderatism in the Kirk.
Now, there are a few reasons why I gave the book three stars. First, MacLeod attempts to contextualize and bridge some of the theological gaps between 21st century readers and the historical figures. For instance, he disagrees and disregards several aspects of "Lex Rex" by Rutherford, he disagrees with Knox's treatise on the regiment of women, and disagrees with other aspects of traditional Scottish theology too. However, he doesn't interact with the stronger arguments of those historical writers. He strawmans their arguments, dismisses them, and won't interact with their stronger positions. Granted, I agree with MacLeod's positions for the most part, but he doesn't defend them well. A second area of disagreement I have is some of his choice of subject material. I thought the chapter on 20th century reactions against Scottish federal theology (primarily T.F. Torrance's and Barth's reactions) were rather weak and misplaced in the book's flow. All that to say, I loved the book! Looking forward to reading his next instalment of the Marrow Controversy and the rise of Moderatism in the Kirk.
September 26, 2022
This is theological history at its very finest. Weaving the two together, Macleod the pastor, theologian, and historian writes an engaging, insightful, and enjoyable telling of Scottish Reformed history that the church should not overlook or forget. He engages such vital questions as the relationship between church and state, orthodoxy and orthopraxy, ecclesiology and missiology and does so with the incisive care of a deeply affected surgeon.
I am thankful that the right person has written this book.
I am thankful that the right person has written this book.
August 13, 2021
This is clearly a great introduction to this period of church history, giving introductions to the key figures of the period, as well as considering the key aspects of their theology. I especially enjoyed the chapters on revival and federal theology.
March 9, 2024
Donald Macleod does a wonderful job taking us through the development of the theology of the Church of Scotland. He provides a wonderful references if the reader wants to read the original works of some of the great men of Scottish church history.
February 25, 2022
Engaging history, woven together with beautiful theology. I thoroughly enjoyed, and will be revisiting, this book.
May 17, 2024
Ver good read about the history of the reformed church in Scotland!
May 28, 2022
Fantastic survey of Scottish Theology
I highly recommend this wonderful work of church history and theology. A must read for all in the Presbyterian tradition.
I highly recommend this wonderful work of church history and theology. A must read for all in the Presbyterian tradition.
July 2, 2025
This was a thoroughly enjoyable and balanced read. Macleod articulates many positions of reformed orthodoxy with precision, and so it is very educational. I particularly enjoyed the final two chapters. I would recommend.
January 12, 2026
Unfortunate. A great read if you’re a Theobro, an aspiring pastor in the P&R tradition, or a lover of Scottish history. Outside of that, I find that a resource like this is too dry and academic for the average laymen. A shame, because I appreciate MacLeod’s scholarship.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews