Famous Renaissance Figure: John Knox Term Paper

John Knox

Very little reliable information is available on John Knox's birth and early childhood, but it is supposed that he was probably born and grew up in a district of Haddington called Gifford Gate. This is about 17 miles outside of Edinburgh. His early education was received at the grammar school of Haddington. After his schooling, Knox attended the university at Glasgow, where he proved himself able to aptly dispute and debate theological issues. This was a time during which reformed Christian theology was beginning to make its appearance in the general Christian education of the time. The type of education Knox received was therefore mainly theological, with an added element of dispute, which was indicative of the paradigm of his time.

John Knox is known best for his role in the reformation of the church, and for his gifted preaching. The reformer first appeared prominently in this capacity in association with George Wishart. The latter died a martyr's death at the hands of Cardinal Beaton, who was subsequently murdered in the year 1546. After the murder, Knox and a number of likeminded companions took refuge in the Cardinal's castle in St. Andrew's, and from here began the reformation in earnest. It is also here that Knox's gifted preaching ability became apparent. He then became a preacher at the parish church, which took a stand against Catholicism. For this, Knox was imprisoned in the French galleys for two years.After this period, Knox traveled to England, where he remained from 1549 to 1554, and was appointed a chaplain for Edward VI. In this capacity Knox enjoyed the companionship of his fellow chaplains, as well as a period of great productivity in his work. When Mary came to the throne after the death of Edward, Knox and others like him were driven to the European continent, and he settled in Geneva, where once again he became a pastor for nearly three years.

When John Knox returned to Scotland in 1559, it was to begin his reformation work in earnest. Knox's enthusiastic preaching inflamed everybody who was in favor of religious revolution, while aggravating those who were against it. After the crisis instigated by the death of the Queen-regent, a truce was reached in the form of a free parliament summoned to settle the matter. In the year 1560, the old religion was overthrown in favor of the Reformed Kirk in Scotland. John Knox was the main agent of reform during this time. He was also the intellect behind church documents such as the original Confession of Faith of the Reformed Kirk, and the first Book of Discipline.

It could then be said that public opinion regarding John Knox was divided, especially in Scotland. As mentioned above, those in favor of reform saw him as their leader and savior as it were. The political powers and others not in.....