Calvin in Scotland

Although Scottish Calvinism has had a very negative press of late, this paper finds much that came out of the Reformation that was positive or progressive. David Fergusson evaluates Calvin’s influence on Scotland by considering the impact his thought has had in the areas of doctrine, church, politics and society. He makes clear that the original vision of the Reformed Church of Scotland is still important today and suggests how it may have something fresh to offer the Church in the discussion of current questions

Theology in lockdown

The starting point for this paper is to reflect on Karl Barth’s assertion that that, when faced with a major crisis, the most appropriate response for Christian theology is to carry on as if nothing has happened. David Fergusson emphasises the need for humility and very careful thought in a situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic, however this does not mean that we must remain silent. Three points for reflection are offered: (1) an examination of how ideas about God’s providence, and our ability to give meaning to calamitous events, have changed over time; (2) consideration of what lessons might be learned from the experience of living through a pandemic in terms of what it means to be human; and (3) thoughts on the theme of hope in the teaching and life of Jesus, and implications and opportunities for the church