The First and Second Books of Discipline were amongst the constitutional foundation documents of the Scottish Reformation, and for four and a half centuries have been relied on to guide the polity of Presbyterian churches around the world. Their scholarly editing and publication a generation ago helped to revive serious study in the Church's constitutional law; and this reprint makes very important material available in a time of immense organisational change in the Church. Rev Dr Marjory A MacLean Deputy Principal Clerk to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
"Scots Confession" from John Knox. Scottish religious reformer who played the lead part in reforming the Church in Scotland in a Presbyterian manner (1510-1572).
Presbyterianism has shaped Scotland and its impact on the world. Behind its beliefs lie some distinctive practices of governance which endure even when belief fades. These practices place a particular emphasis on the detailed recording of decisions and what we can term a 'systemic' form of accountability. This book examines the emergence and consolidation of such practices in the 18th century Church of Scotland. Using extensive archival research and detailed local case studies, it contrasts them to what is termed a 'personal' form of accountability in England in the same period. The wider impact of the systemic approach to governance and accountability, especially in the United States of America, is explored, as is the enduring impact on Scottish identity. This book offers a fresh perspective on the Presbyterian legacy in contemporary Scottish historiography, at the same time as informing current debates on national identity. It has a novel focus on religion as social practice, as opposed to belief or organization. It has a strong focus on Scotland, but in the context of Britain. 0It offers extensive archival work in the Church of Scotland records, with an emphasis on form as well as content. It provides a different focus on the Church of Scotland in the 18th century. It offers a detailed focus on local practice in the context of national debates.
Do animals have rights? If not, do we have duties towards them? If so, what duties? These and a myriad of other issues are discussed in the brilliantly argued Animal Rights and Wrongs. Issues discussed include- - Why are animal-rights groups so keen to protect the rights of rabbits and foxes but not of rats or mice or even humans? - How can we bridge the growing gap between rural producers and urban consumers? -Why is raising animals for fur more heinous than raising them for their meat? -Are we as human beings driving other species either to extinction or to a state of dependency? Animal Rights and Wrongs includes chapters on the livestock crisis, fishing, BSE and a layman's introduction to philosophical concepts. The book presents a radical response to the defenders of animal rights, and a challenge to those who think that because they are kind to their pets, they are therefore good news for animals.
