History of Scotland - Protestant Reformation

Protestant Reformation

During the 16th century, Scotland underwent a Protestant Reformation that made the nation Calvinist, with a strong Presbyterian Church. In the earlier part of the century, the teachings of first Martin Luther and then John Calvin began to influence Scotland. The execution of a number of Protestant preachers, most notably the Lutheran influenced Patrick Hamilton in 1528 and later the proto-Calvinist George Wishart in 1546 who was burnt at the stake in St. Andrews by Cardinal Beaton for heresy, did nothing to stem the growth of these ideas. Beaton was assassinated shortly after the execution of George Wishart.

The eventual Reformation of the Scottish Church followed a brief civil war in 1559–60, in which English intervention on the Protestant side was decisive. A Reformed confession of faith rejecting papal jurisdiction was adopted by Parliament in 1560, while the young Mary, Queen of Scots, was still in France. The most influential figure was theologian John Knox (1510–1572), who had lived in Switzerland and was a disciple of both Calvin and Wishart. The Protestant Church of Scotland was formed in the mid-16th century by Knox and the Protestant Lords of the Congregation. Roman Catholicism was not totally eliminated, and remained strong particularly in parts of the highlands.

The Protestant nobility in Scotland proved critical to the success of the Reformation. The clergymen depended on aristocratic support, so they were seldom equal partners. However the relationship was strong enough to withstand disputes over the use of ecclesiastical revenues and tensions stemming from the ministers' insistence that all magistrates must be true Protestants.

One major impact of the kirk was to moderate the violence that had been endemic in rural Scotland. The reformed kirk actively mediated local communal conflicts that otherwise would have turned violent. The premises of the parish kirk became a sacred space which often was used for public reconciliation. In order to discourage blood feuds and mortal combat, which had once been common, the kirk used preaching, mandatory attendance at weekly services and at seasonal communion, and public rituals of repentance and punishment. Moving beyond the local level, presbyteries and kirk sessions were increasingly accepted as legitimate alternative to the baronial or civil courts.

Until the late 20th century Protestantism—especially of the Presbyterian variety—was a central value for most Scots, helping shape their identity and way of thinking.