Kinfauns Parish Church

Kinfauns Parish Church in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, is a peculiar old place, with a Victorian Presbyterian kirk peering out over the ruins of its medieval antecedent. In one respect, it is a nice snapshot of Scottish and British Church history; from the rubble of Roman corruption sprang a purer, reformed Christianity, more loyal to scripture than tradition, more faithful to Christ than the Bishop of Rome.

Although the newer parish church is a rather fine construction upon Kinnoull Hill, which affords fine views across the valley, the Church of Scotland of which it is part is in a sorry state, closing churches and flogging off their buildings on a monthly basis. It is like a second reformation, with the Old becoming ruinous, but this time, they are not being replaced by anything better, as mosques, casinos and commercial enterprises buy them up and deconsecrate them. Sadly, the CofS is now more adept in estate agency than gospel agency.

Within the old kirkyard is one of those delightful gravestones, probably from the eighteenth century. It depicts Adam and Eve standing either side of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, complete with serpent. Just as our first parents were tempted away from God’s truth and into Satan’s doubts and denials, so that same battle is being waged in every church and every heart. Will you obey God’s voice in scripture, or doubt it, disregard it and deny it? The latter produces ruination, death and decay, while the former brings life everlasting and hope eternal.

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Romans 5:14

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