New book resource useful for Christian Teachers
New Book Launch: ‘What Has Christianity Ever Done for Scotland?’
Explore Christianity’s Profound Influence on Scotland’s History and Culture
In February 2024, CVE Scotland were delighted to host a Christian Heritage webinar entitled ‘Challenging Today from the Past’ with Paul James-Griffiths, historian and founder and Director of Christian Heritage Edinburgh and Soul of Scotland Tours. This proved to be a very informative and accessible session on how Scottish Christians of the past had a positive impact on society.
One aim of the session was to encourage teachers to consider using this content in lessons linked to relevant Experiences and Outcomes within the Curriculum for Excellence therefore we are delighted to share information on the launch of Paul’s new book, What Has Christianity Ever Done for Scotland?, available from 20th January 2026.
From the arrival of the first Christians in the second century to the Reformation and beyond, the book takes readers on a captivating journey through the nation’s religious heritage. Historian Paul James-Griffiths illuminates how Christianity has shaped Scotland’s identity and impacted its:
- Political landscape
- Educational institutions
- Social reforms
- Scientific and medical progress
- Arts and literature
Discover the inspiring stories of influential Christian figures such as Columba, who established a vibrant faith community on Iona, Sir James Young Simpson, father of anaesthetics, James Clerk Maxwell, the ground-breaking physicist and Rev Doctor Thomas Guthrie, education pioneer and founder of Ragged Schools in Scotland.
The book traces the church’s complex relationship with the people of Scotland from the early period to modern times. Paul explores how revivals and social reform movements, born out of passionate Christian faith, brought dramatic cultural change and spiritual renewal.
At CVE Scotland, we believe What Has Christianity Ever Done for Scotland? is an excellent resource for Christian teachers and school workers. It will inspire you to introduce these godly ancestors into your lessons, as it links well not only to the RME curriculum but also to Experiences and Outcomes in Social Studies and interdisciplinary activities. For example: ·
SOC 0-02a / SOC 1-02a: I can develop my understanding of the history, heritage and culture of Scotland, and an appreciation of my local and national heritage within the world.
SOC 2-01a: I can use primary and secondary sources carefully to investigate significant events and people from the past and explain their importance.
SOC 2-02a: I can discuss why people and events from a particular time in the past were important, placing them within a chronological framework and showing how they influenced Scottish society.
SOC 2-03a: I can investigate a Scottish historical theme to discover how past events or the actions of individuals or groups have shaped Scottish society.
SOC 3-01a / SOC 4-01a: I can evaluate sources to investigate a significant historical event/theme and present findings on its impact.
What Has Christianity Ever Done for Scotland? offers a fascinating, balanced perspective. We believe it is an essential read for educators seeking to understand the indisputable, transformative impact of Christianity on one of the world’s most intriguing nations. Including chapters on education, healthcare, law and justice, democracy, the plight of the poor, the abolition of slavery, emancipation of women, science and the arts, the book can also be a vital source of reference during focus weeks within Scottish schools.
The book is available at a pre-order discount price of £11.24 plus £5.00 shipping from the Christian Focus Publications website – a reduction of 25% on its full price of £14.99.
If you have an Amazon Prime account, the book is also available from their website for £13.79, with free postage.
You are also invited to the book launch event, where you can ask questions of the author and obtain your own signed copy.
📍VENUE: The Faith Mission Bookshop, 548 Gilmerton Rd, Edinburgh, EH17 7JD
📅 DATE: Saturday, 24th January 2026
🕛 TIME: 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Please do let us know if you are inspired to introduce any of these godly ancestors into your lessons, and consider sharing resources you utilise or create with other teaching staff by emailing Lynn at 📩 cve@cve-scotland.org.uk.