A summary of Christian doctrine and belief written in the form of questions with answers, used to teach the basics the faith.
- Scriptural warrant for the use of catechisms:
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 ESV)
- From Living for God’s Glory by Joel R. Beeke and Sinclair B. Ferguson, page 338:
The Puritans taught their children catechism as soon as possible; most fathers catechized each child for one hour per week. To help them, Puritan pastors wrote books that explained fundamental Christian doctrines by means of questions and answers supported by Scripture. Fathers explained the theological content of the questions and answers of these catechism books by illustrating them with Bible stories and dialoguing with their children.
The goals of catechizing were to make sermons and the sacraments more understandable for covenant children, to prepare them for confession of faith, and to teach them how to defend their faith against error. Then, too, children were taught that truth must be loved and lived. As the Puritan ministers’ catechism books and sermons show, children were told the truth about matters such as the fall in Adam, sin, and condemnation, as well as salvation in Christ, His righteousness, and everlasting bliss. They were also invited, via appeals to their wills and hearts, to flee to Christ with their sins. The ultimate goal was not simply a well-stocked head, but also a warm appreciation of the truths of God in mind and soul so that the child would lead a holy life.
Learn more:
- Covenant of Grace RPC: Catechism, what is it?
- Greg Strand: “What is Catechism?”
- Westminster Bookstore: What Is Catechism? A Simple Guide For Beginners
- Joe Carter: 10 Things About Catechesis
- Kim Riddlebarger: The Need To Recover the Practise of Catechism
A few Protestant catechisms:
Related terms:
Filed under Creeds and Confessions
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