Abstract
This dissertation seeks to examine the theology of A Short Sum of the Whole Catechism – which became known as Craig’s Catechism – which was published by Scottish Reformer John Craig (1512-1600) in 1581. Craig was a prominent churchman and minister in the Church of Scotland, serving in St Giles alongside John Knox, ministering at St Nicholas’ Kirk in Aberdeen, and as a chaplain in Holyrood for King James VI. He is best known for writing the King’s Confession in 1581, yet today his catechetical writing is often overlooked. This study seeks to fill part of that gap.The central thesis of this study is that the theology of Craig’s Catechism represents a Scottish early Reformed orthodoxy which is closely tied to that of Calvin’s Geneva Catechism, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Scots Confession, while also anticipating future concerns of the Westminster Catechisms.
The thesis will proceed as follows. Following an introductory chapter, chapter one offers biographical information about John Craig. Next, chapter two will attempt to place Craig’s Catechism in its historical and ecclesiastical locus. Chapters three to six offer a theological exposition of Craig’s Catechism. The third discusses introductory matters, dealing with occasion of writing, audience, authorship, and structure. The fourth chapter examines anthropology and the Apostles’ Creed; the fifth, Decalogue and the Lord’s Prayer; and the sixth, word, sacraments, and soteriology. The conclusion will draw the study together and suggest avenues for further study.
| Date of Award | 21 Apr 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Mark Elliott (Supervisor) |