Theological Term of the Week: Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism
A Reformed confessional document published in 1563 in Heidelberg, consisting of a series of questions and answers used to teach Christian doctrine and practice.   

• From the Heidelberg Catechism:

1. Q. What is thy only comfort in life and death?

A. That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. 

• From the preface to The Heidelberg Catechism with Scriptural Texts, written by Fred H. Klooster: 

An old tradition credits Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus as the primary authors of the catechism. All we know for sure, however, is that the Heidelberg was a team project. In his preface, the Elector mentions no specific names but tells us that the theological faculty, the superintendents, and the chief officers of the Palatinate church all took part in the catechism’s production. Of course, a team project usually relies heavily on one of two persons who prepare preliminary drafts. Most authorities believe Ursinus had this leading role in composing the Heidelberg Catechism, though some think it may have been Olevianus.

Learn more:

1. Westminster Seminary California: Text of the Heidelberg Catechism
2. Justin Holcomb: The Heidelberg Catechism
3. R. Scott Clark: Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism
4. Zacharias Ursinius: Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism
5. W. Robert Godfrey: Christ in the Heidelberg Catechism
6. Erik Raymond: Using the Heidelberg Catechism with Your Family
7. Daniel R. Hyde: Why I Love the Heidelberg Catechism

Related terms:

• Augsburg Confession
• Belgic Confession
• Canons of Dordt
• London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689
• Second Helvetic Confession
• Westminster Confession of Faith

Filed under Creeds and Confessions

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