The uses of reform
Subtitle: "godly discipline" and popular behavior in Scotland and beyond, 1560-1610
By: by Michael F. Graham.
Series: Studies in medieval and Reformation thought,; v. 58
Publisher: E.J. Brill
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Leiden; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 373
Subjects: Church of Scotland -- Discipline -- History -- 16th century.; Church of Scotland -- Discipline -- History -- 17th century.; Reformed Church -- Scotland -- Discipline -- History -- 16th century.; Reformed Church -- Scotland -- Discipline -- History -- 17th century.; Reformed Church -- France -- Discipline -- History -- 16th century.; Scotland -- Church history.; France -- Church history.
Description: The Uses of Reform is a study of the Reformation as a movement for behavioral reform, concentrating on Scotland during the first fifty years (1560-1610) of its Reformation as a primary example.

The opening chapters trace the development of 'Godly Discipline' as part of the European-wide reform movement. Graham follows this general narrative with a study of the creation and implementation of a disciplinary system in Scotland. Finally, he compares disciplinary practices in the Scottish Church with those of the Huguenot communities of France.

Looking closely at the proceedings of church courts which enforced regulations concerning behavior, Graham paints a picture of the Reformation as a social process. This book, the first of its kind in the historiography of the Scottish Reformation, explores how Reformed protestantism affected local communities and redefined relationships.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [349]-361) and index.