The letters of John Knox provide a unique window into the life and character of the famous Scottish reformer. While his published writings exhibit his powerful preaching and theological ideas, Knox's personal letters reveal a more intimate side to the man.
One defining episode covered in the letters is Knox's romantic relationship with his first wife, Marjorie Bowes. The two met and formed a deep connection when Knox was residing in the town of Berwick in England. Marjorie's mother, Mrs. Bowes, approved of and supported the potential marriage.
However, the match was fiercely opposed by Marjorie's father's influential relatives, especially the diplomat Sir Thomas Bowes. They seemed to look down on Knox as an "obscure Scot" and felt the marriage would degrade their aristocratic family's standing.
In his letters to Mrs. Bowes, who he affectionately called "mother," Knox expressed a dignified mixture of self-respect and Christian humility in the face of this derision from Marjorie's other relatives. The wedding had to be postponed due to the ongoing opposition.
Eventually, with no sign of the stubborn relatives changing their minds, Knox and Marjorie went ahead with the marriage anyway. Not long after, Queen Mary took the throne and Knox was forced to flee to Europe, taking his new wife with him.
The letters poignantly trace Knox and Marjorie's devotion as they weathered these troubles together, exiled in Switzerland and Scotland, until her death in 1560. They reveal Knox's profound personal side, beyond just the fiery preacher persona.
Overall, the letters humanize the iconic John Knox, showing his courage to marry for love despite aristocratic disdain, and his profound Christian partnership with his first wife amid tumultuous times.
JOHN KNOX
John Knox, a prominent figure in the Protestant Reformation, was a Scottish clergyman and theologian who played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of Scotland and beyond. Born in 1514, Knox dedicated his life to advancing the principles of Reformed theology and advocating for religious reform in both doctrine and practice.
Knox's influence can be seen through his involvement in several key events of the Reformation. He worked closely with other Reformers such as John Calvin and Heinrich Bullinger, contributing to the development of Reformed theology. Knox's involvement in the Scottish Reformation was particularly noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in dismantling the power of the Catholic Church in Scotland and establishing Presbyterianism as the dominant form of Protestantism.
His most notable work, "The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women," stirred controversy and drew attention to his strong views on the role of women in political leadership. Although this work was met with mixed reactions, it demonstrated Knox's boldness in addressing societal issues and challenging the prevailing norms of his time.
Knox's impact extended beyond Scotland, as he spent several years in exile due to political turmoil. During his time in Geneva, he continued to refine his theological understanding and develop strong connections with other Reformers. He returned to Scotland in 1559 and played a crucial role in establishing the Protestant Church of Scotland, serving as the minister of the influential St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Known for his fiery preaching style, Knox was a passionate advocate for the purity of worship and the authority of Scripture. His sermons and writings were marked by their forceful language and uncompromising stance against what he saw as idolatry and corruption within the church. His most famous work, "The History of the Reformation in Scotland," provides a detailed account of the events and struggles faced during the Scottish Reformation.
