John Knox

Description: (Religious Leader and Founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland)

Scottish theologian and leader of the Reformation in Scotland, John Knox entered Catholic priesthood but became a Protestant under the influence of George Wishart, a Scottish Reformer. During the years of political and religious turmoil in Scotland, Knox was captured by French forces and held prisoner. From this experience, he emerged as the voice of the Scottish Reformation. 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, Knox left England and eventually moved to Geneva, where he met John Calvin. In Calvin's teachings, he found the ideals of the true Protestant church. He strove towards wiping out the vestiges of Catholicism in Scotland. To achieve this, he reasserted Calvin's conviction of the people's right to overthrow any ruler who curtailed their freedom of conscience. Back in Scotland, he led a group of Protestant nobles intent on overthrowing Catholic regent Mary Stuart. As the leader of the Reform movement and backed by the Scottish Parliament, he framed the Confession of Faith and summoned the first General Assembly of the Reformed Church. By the time of his death, Catholicism in Scotland had been vanquished.

Overview

Born In Scotland
Died on November 24, 1572
Spouse/Ex- Margaret, Marjorie Bowes
Parents William Knox
Sinclair
Children Eleazar, Nathaniel

Did you know

What was John Knox's role in the Protestant Reformation? John Knox was a Scottish clergyman and leader of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland. He played a key role in establishing the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
How did John Knox influence the religious landscape of Scotland? John Knox's preaching and writings helped to spread Protestant ideas throughout Scotland, leading to the establishment of Presbyterianism as the dominant form of Protestantism in the country.
How did John Knox's views on education impact Scotland? John Knox advocated for the establishment of schools and universities in Scotland to educate people in the principles of the Protestant faith. His efforts contributed to the development of a strong educational system in the country.
What was John Knox's role in the development of the Scottish Reformation Parliament? John Knox was instrumental in influencing the Scottish Parliament to adopt legislation that promoted Protestantism and restricted the power of the Catholic Church in Scotland. His involvement helped shape the legal framework of the Scottish Reformation.
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