Abstract
John Knox the 16th century Scottish reformer made a lasting impact on the Scottish nation in the fields of society, politics, church and education. He is remembered mainly for his reform of the church but he also made a significant contribution to the reform of education, which has lasted until the present day and has impacted on other contexts. Although much of his vision was not realised during his lifetime, his mission continued nonetheless. He was a product of the late Medieval age and his transformation was completed by his experience alongside John Calvin in Geneva. This was then contextualised in his own Scottish situation. Here we examine his work in the field of education with particular reference to the First Book of Discipline. The outcome of his labours was a compulsory, universal system of free education, which involved character formation and enabled all to achieve the limit of their potential.
Highlights
John Knox (1513–1572) was born and raised in Scotland at a time when it was known as ‘the most culturally backward nation in western Europe’ (Percy 1936:378)
This article will progress from an analysis of Medieval education, John Knox’s personal development to an examination of his educational organisation with particular reference to the First Book of Discipline, which has been a neglected area in John Knox studies and his educational legacy
South Africa as a democratic society in the – 21st century recognises that in an information-based age, social survival is directly related to the literacy and skills educationally provided to all children and young people and failure to meet the educational needs of students who are socially or economically disadvantaged eventually handicaps all members of society and society itself
Summary
John Knox (1513–1572) was born and raised in Scotland at a time when it was known as ‘the most culturally backward nation in western Europe’ (Percy 1936:378). In 1559, Knox had expressed his clear vision for education in a reformed Scottish nation: For the preservation of religion it is most expedient that scholes be universally erected in all cities and chief townes, the oversight whereof to be committed to the magistrates and godly learned men of the said cities and towns.
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