Knox

The bloody and complicated history of John Knox (1513-1572), a leader in the Protestant Reformation and founder of the Presbyterian denomination in Scotland, is examined in this fast-paced documentary featuring numerous experts. Knox received a 16th-century education at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and was influenced by Catholic Church reformers, notably George Wishart, who was martyred for his efforts, setting off an angry revolt. Knox's subsequent involvement in political events would lead to his arrest and exile to England, where he would participate in the Church of England and rise to the rank of chaplain to King Edward VI. But the ascension of Mary Tudor to the throne and her re-establishment of Catholicism resulted in Knox fleeing to Geneva and Frankfurt, where his thinking was further refined by the ideas of Protestant theologian John Calvin. Knox would eventually spearhead the Protestant Reformation in Scotland that was at odds with the doomed Tudor queen. Offering an absorbing mix of Reformation history and royal intrigue, this biographical portrait of a seminal religious figure is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)