Catechism—What?
Have you ever wondered how the early Protestant church taught the faith to their children and new believers? Probably not. But maybe we should!
Catechism was one method used for centuries to teach the faith. It is still an exceptionally good tool for young and old, and perhaps one that you/we might consider using to strengthen our children’s faith and knowledge.
If you’re like I used to be, when you hear the word catechism, you think “isn’t that what Roman Catholics do?” Well, yes, it is, but the Roman Catholic catechism is not the only one.
A catechism is a series of questions and answers designed to teach the faith. It gives the essentials of the faith and gives a structure to teaching our children and ourselves. Two excellent (Protestant) catechisms are the Westminster Shorter Catechism and the Heidelberg Catechism. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, also wrote a revision to the Westminster Shorter Catechism. A more modern version is the New City Catechism by Tim and Kathy Keller. Any of these would help you to teach your children or yourself.
To give you an idea of what the catechisms are like, here are the first questions from each along with the Scripture references to back them up.
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q: What is the chief end of man?
A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
1 Corinthians 10:31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Romans 11:36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Psalm 73:24-26. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God isthe strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
John 17:22, 24. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one... Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Heidelberg Catechism
Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own,1 but belong—body and soul, in life and in death2—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.3
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,4 and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.5 He also watches over me in such a way6 that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven;7 in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.8
Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life9 and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.10
Questions? Linda Martin or Amanda Morrow are happy to help!
