Knots Untied

by J.C. Ryle

Knots Untied is J. C. Ryle's leading work in defence of the evangelicalism of the Church of England. When first published in 1874 it proved immensely popular, and by 1885 it was reprinted in a tenth edition. Knots Untied is a classic volume in which Ryle covers the then current disputes about various points of religion within the Church of England, advocating and defending the evangelical position at every turn.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Audiobook

488 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.

Reviews

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book essential for every Christian in any denomination or church on why doctrine matters, especiallyfor the health of the visible church. This book defines what doctrines are of first importance, and how some either try to add to or subtract from the biblical truth. Want to be a good churchman? Then as Ryle argues contend for the truth and don't compromise from it, to be a good churchman is not to be pragmatic but rooted in the Word.

[Carol Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

The preface of the book explains its contents. "It consists of 19 papers on subjects which are matters of dispute among English Churchmen in the present day (late 1800) systematically arranged." As a reader in 2025, at least one of the papers was of little interest to me, "The 39 Articles" of the Church of England. This paper wasn't entirely without interest because I have at times wondered what the 39 Articles were. In Chapter 7, he discussed the Prayer Book. That wasn't of prime interest either. The only real point of disagreement I had with Bishop Ryle is in Chapter 6 on Regeneration. There he expressed his view that infants can be saved. He gives as his example, Jeremiah and John the Baptist. (Location 1968 in Kindle).

Other than these points, this book is an excellent source of Biblical knowledge.

[Matt Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bishop Ryle shows, within the first few chapters of this short book alone, that he had more testicular fortitude in his little finger than most of the clergy in Church of England today possess collectively. Bishop Ryle writes plainly and directly, leaving no room for slackers in Biblical doctrine and its application unto the church.

Although specifically Anglican in his discussion of bishops, the XXXIX Articles, and the Book of Common Prayer, the vast majority of this work explaining and clarifying points of what the bishop calls 'evangelical religion' is cross-denominational. However, that being said, this book, I feel, should be used by many in the Anglican communion to recover roots of the denomination that in so many places is crumbling around them.

[Benjamin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great exposition and vindication of the Evangelical movement in the CoE (first written 1874, 10th Ed. 1885). Ryle writes with conviction, clarity, and the heart of a man who earnestly desires the honor of Christ and the health of the English Church. His main opponents are those of Romanizing tendency, though the free-thinkers and the lax also get their time. His words are still wise and relevant today.

To use his concluding sentence: “Except Christ sits as Priest and King upon the throne, that little kingdom within will be in perpetual confusion…. Christ rightly known, Christ truly believed, and Christ heartily loved, is the true preservative against Ritualism, Romanism, and every form of idolatry.”

[Peter Kiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply excellent. Ryle has a great way of focusing on what matters and makes good cases for all his arguments with sharp and engaging writing. I love everything I've read from him so far. He seems far closer to me in theology than I'd expect.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banner of Truth has brought most of J. C. Ryle’s works back into print. Though Mr. Ryle is from another century, his works still have something to say to our generation. Not only have they brought these works back into print, but they have done so with nice bindings and attractive covers that will make these works last for years. This title, Knots Untied, is made with the same design as several others that they print to make a beautiful collection. For the record, they have also recently published an outstanding biography as well as Mr. Ryle’s autobiography.

Mr. Ryle did not write this volume for scholars. You could tell that he aimed at regular Christians, and perhaps, even new Christians. Since almost everyone in his generation attended church, he did write with the assumption that people knew about the churches in England at least. Still, there is at once no superficiality and clear, accessible guidance.

Unlike some of his volumes, this is not a book of sermons. Or at least if they are, they are of the topical nature. He never wavers in loving Scripture, being conservative, and clearly and logically laying out his case.

A few of the chapters were not especially interesting to me as they were too tied to the Church of England. I’m referring to things like the Thirty-Nine Articles and the chapter on prayer book statements about regeneration. In a few other chapters I did not completely agree with him, particularly on the mode of baptism, but don’t let a few disagreements keep you away from this fine book.

And in so many other places he wrote the things we so badly need to hear today. I rejoice in the clarity of his teaching on there being only one way of salvation, or in the help he brings to the subject of private judgment. I assumed I would not like his chapter on the church, but found it a great encouragement. My favorite chapter of all was on the fallibility of ministers. It was the tonic needed in our days.

This is a fine book and I warmly recommend it.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Ryle reveals what I can so far see as his only weakness and that is his inability to criticize the 39 Articles of the Church of England and their prayer book. Even. though the prayer book clearly says baptism regenerates, he refuses to acknowledge this and explains it away. His usual manner is to call out error wherever he sees it but not with his church. He correctly says baptism does not save but fails to point out his church's error. Is there any wonder the church has backslid to the point that even Roman Catholics cannot fellowship with them without compromise. But other than this error his book is absolutely delightful and powerful.

[Grant Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knots Untied is a convincing defense of confessional evangelicalism and contrasts extremely well with Apologia Pro Vita Sua. J C Ryle goes for what the 'plain meaning' of scripture says (oh how I wish it was so plain) whereas Newman sees doctrine developing over time and much thought and guided by the Holy Spirit. Where Newman would say studying church history would make one a Catholic, Ryle would say by studying scripture would make one reconsider.

[Michial · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knots Untied is an excellent volume by Ryle with the theme of being an evangelical churchman. Though largely targeted to those readers in the late 19th century Church of England, the book is applicable to all Christian’s of all ages. This is a great volume in clear English that will instruct the reader what it means to be a Christian who loves the church and worships God according to his word.

[Susannah Petitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mix of challenging theology, interesting church history, and spicy gossip column from an Bishop of the Church of England. Would recommend to anyone interested in Anglicanism

[Bob Ladwig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb work, unfortunately largely forgotten. Ryle in this book addresses many of the problems facing the church in his day, which of course remain immensely relevant to our own day. Polemical, yet pastoral and devotional, definitely my cup of tea.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

JC Ryle (the Evangelical Bishop) writes against the catholic trend within the Church of England and explains the proper place of The Prayer book, the faith and worship. A good read.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great.

[Zach McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book over a year ago and skimmed through it again this week. Ryle is always a pleasure to read and writes with amazing clarity and conviction.

[Tom James]

Ryle tackles several controversial issues facing Anglicans of the 1870s, such as the proper understanding of baptism, communion, regeneration, false teaching, ritualism, the 39 Articles vs. the Prayer Book, proper observance of the Lord's Day, etc. While the book is aimed at members of the Church of England (nominal and practising), it contains material that is relevant for all Christians. Writing in response to the ritualism that was mesmerizing many in the Church of England because of the Oxford Movement, Ryle takes a decided stand in favour of an evangelical Protestant understanding of Christianity, yet insists that mere orthodoxy in insufficient. One's faith must also be a living faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit.