John Knox for Armchair Theologians

The "for Armchair Theologians" series has been a delight to read, and this one in particular is special. One gets a good view of the life of John Knox, while also getting a picture of some of his writings. It must be remembered that Knox, compared with Luther or Calvin, did not do that much writing, and so the author looks at several of Knox's works not in the main flow of the story, but as asides. It still works out very well as one clearly sees what makes John Knox the man who he was. McDonald's discussion of Knox's "First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women" is very good as it points out that a contemporary of Knox was even more forceful, making Knox look like a moderate. The cartoon artwork is also very funny (Knox returning to Scotland a la MacArthur made me laugh hysterically).A delightful introduction to John Knox.

This book is a must for anyone interested in the Protestant Reformation. It explains a very complex man in the context of his times. I like the format in that each chapter about the man and his times concluded with his writings and explanations of his ideas. Now I know where the expression "a monstrous regiment of women" came from! You may not agree with his conclusions, but must admit that the man was extraordinary.

This guy had a tough life, but he was better for it and, I think, so are we. I realized his main contribution to the faith was to live it. He confronted royalty and policy leaders about their faith. He did instigate a few unsavory events, but his convictions were admirable and he certainly was willing to not just talk the talk, but walk the walk.

A bit too light. But, I suppose if I want I can find much more on Knox in other books, but it is a start in understanding Knox.

Good study for Presbyterians who want to know more about their spiritual ancestor, John Knox. The book is designed for use as a study guide for laypeople.

Great resource for theologian - practitioners and laymen who are thinking and theologizing.

I have read every book in the "armchair theologian" series. This one is a commentary on the history of the kings and queens that Knox fought with and not a summation of his theology.

Sprightly, lucid biography and intellectual history of a very interesting guy.

This book in the Armchair Theologians series comes just in time for the Fifth centenary of his birth.Prof.Mcdonald makes a man who is hard to like less unlikeable.A useful feature of the book is theoutline of a key text by or associated with Knox,which accompany each chapter.An antidote to the myth of the misogynist is the chapter on Knox and the women in his life.One little criticism.There is no Sorbonne University in Paris.The Sorbonne was one of the collegesof the University of Paris.A bigger criticism is of how the author can say-p.94-" ...Scotland was considered to be one of themore educationally backward nations in Europe."Consult the recent posthumously published book" Scottish Schools and Schoolmasters " by the great John Durkan to see why there is little basisfor that statement.However,in spite of my criticism the book is a good addition to the series.It is readable,interestingand an excellent refutation of much of the negative nonsense written about Knox.