The Sandemanian Story

“This is a detailed study of a little-known Dissenting Community which combines a richly informed social and ecclesial context with a thoroughly researched and well-told narrative. This is the work of a mature historian steeped in the history and theology of Dissenting life and thought. Like the best church history, this book is an education in the human, social, religious, and psychological dimensions of a Christian community content to be at the edges, but worthy of our attention.”


—James Gordon, honorary research fellow, School of Divinity, University of Aberdeen





“The story of the congregational Glasite Church in Scotland, known elsewhere as Sandemanians, needed to be told. The late Derek Murray was the ideal person to write it. He has placed us in his debt with this excellent, very readable, account of their history. It is warmly commended.”


—Brian R. Talbot, senior research fellow, International Baptist Theological Seminary





“The author demonstrates an encyclopedic knowledge of Scottish church history, locating the Glasite movement within the wider context of different expressions of dissent within Scottish Presbyterianism. The book helpfully delineates the theological interpretation of John Glas, contrasting and comparing this with the broader religious world of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is a well-researched book, written in clear prose, and with a vivid description of people and events of Scottish history.”


—Kenneth B. E. Roxburgh, professor emeritus of religion, Samford University