Response:

While there seem to be differences of opinion as to the theological background of King James, it is clear that he was a Protestant, and stood against the Roman church. Reformation leader John Knox read the sermon when he was crowned King. Roman Catholic Nicolo Molin, an Ambassador, said this of King James: "...He is a Protestant...The king tries to extend his Protestant religion to the whole island. The King is a bitter enemy of our religion (Roman Catholic)." King James himself said this in Basilicon Doron: "I am no papist as I said before...Now faith...is the free gift of God (as Paul sayeth)".

As to his personal lifestyle, Sir Henry Wotton (June 1602) said this of King James: "There appears a certain natural goodness verging on modesty...He wears short hair...among his good qualities none shines more brightly than the chasteness of his life, which he has preserved without stain down to the present time. Contrary to the example of almost all his ancestors, who disturbed the kingdom with the great number of (illegitimate children) which they left." King James wrote the Basilicon Doron which contained instructions to his son on how to live and be a just king. King James' advice to his son concerning chastity was "Fornication is thought but a venial sin by the most part of the world, yet remember well what I said to you in my first book regarding conscience, and count every sin an breach of God's law, not according as the vain world esteems of it, but as God judge and maker of the law accounts of the same." When giving his son advice on how to treat his wife, he stated, "And for your behavior to your wife, the Scripture can best give you counsel therein." I'm sure the king had his faults, but it sounds to me like he wasn't as far off base as some might suggest.

I would encourage you to do further study on this subject at http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/kinginde.htm, which has a wealth of information on King James.

By Dr Mark Montgomery Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210