Religion and National Identity: Governing Scottish Presbyterianism in the Eighteenth Century

ISBN-13: 9780748699155 / Angielski / Twarda / 2015 / 288 str.

Alistair Mutch

Opis

What is the enduring impact of Presbyterianism on what it means to be Scottish?

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 eighteenth 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. This supports the contrast that has been made by other authors between a focus on system in Scotland, character in England. The wider impact of this approach to governance and accountability, especially in the United States of America, is explored, as is the enduring impact of these practices in shaping 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.

Spis treści

Contents; Acknowledgements; Introduction; Chapter 1: Looking for practices; The Protestant Ethic and practice; The nature of practice; Scottish religious practice; Sources; Chapter 2: The emergence of a governance system; Structure of the church; An emerging system: the seventeenth century; Consolidating the Revolution settlement; Steuart of Pardovan; Chapter 3: Presbyterial business; Business as usual in the presbytery; The parochial visitation in practice; Ministerial conduct and the demise of the visitation; Monitoring sessions at a distance; Formalisation of the letter; relaxation of the spirit; Chapter 4: The kirk session; Ministers; The Session Clerk; Elders; Deacons and Heritors; Life of the Session; Making communion happen; Chapter 5: Handling finances; Developing the money register; Record format; Using the records; Getting the money in; The poor box; The treasurer; Disputes over accountability; Chapter 6: Scottish systemic accountability; Theory and practice; Regional differences; Law and education; Monymusk; Chapter 7: Contrasts and consequences; Personal accountability in the Church of England; Contrasts with Scotland; Consequences; Bonds; Accountancy; America; Chapter 8: Conclusion; Religion as a social practice; Scotland and Presbyterianism; Appendices; Appendix 1: Contrast of visitation questions; Appendix 2: Parochial visitations in four presbyteries 1700-1735; Appendix 3: Questions asked about ministerial conduct at parochial visitations in 1710 compared to 1704 Overtures; Appendix 4: Questions asked about sessions at parochial visitations in 1710 compared to 1704 Overtures; Appendix 5: Questions at privy censures in presbytery of Cupar in 1730 compared to 1704 Overtures; Appendix 6: Parish records examined for account formats; Appendix 7: Coding structure for analysis of recording of financial transactions; Appendix 8: Account formats across five presbyteries; Primary sources; National Records of Scotland; Nottinghamshire Record Office; University of Nottingham, Manuscripts and Special Collections; Liverpool Record Office; Derbyshire Record Office; Printed primary sources; Secondary sources.