SOMEONE new to the faith may asked, “Just what does the phrase catechism mean?” It is a somewhat arcane word, not used much even within Christian circles. In the simplest of terms, it is a summary of the principles of the Christian religion used for instruction in the form of fixed questions and answers. Often when we think on the word “catechism” our thoughts fix upon the Roman Catholic Church and the prevalent use of the catechism in instructing the young. However, to solely ascribe the catechism in this a manner would be to overlook the extent that catechetical instruction may be found in other confessional churches, and in the historical context that dates back to the early church. Many evangelical churches make use of basic doctrine instructional formats similar to that of the catechism. However, catechetical instruction is unique in its “questions asked and answered” design and approach.
THE term “catechism” is derived from the original Greek word katecheo – to instruct verbally by asking questions and receiving answers. This approach may be observed at the beginning of the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 1-5. Note specifically verses 3 and 4:
“..it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” (NKJV)
NOTE here that Luke’s intent was to write an orderly account about things already received – in which you were (past tense) instructed (katecheo – taught by word of mouth; questions asked, answers received).
THE Greek katecheo has been anglicize to Catechize, meaning to instruct by means of questioning. Historically, Catechisms are doctrinal manuals – often in the form of questions followed by answers to be retained by memorization in discipleship training. In the early church, catechetical instruction was a necessary element for entrance into the faith community and corporate worship. In summary, katecheo finds expression in the flowing terms:
Catechize – One who performs instruction verbally by asking questions and receiving answers.
Catechism – The source material containing the precepts and principles for catechetical instruction.
Catechumen – The one being instructed, seeking understanding and admittance into the covenant faith community.
FOR the writer of this article, it has been my experience to see this instructional format used not only within religious settings, but in non-religious or secular contexts as well. I know first-hand of at least one example:
DURING my thirty-year career working for Southern California Edison in the Power Supply Division, upon completing a classroom instructional course in the Power Plant Operator Training School, I was assigned an Operator Check-Off Book as the next step to my training and development. It was a thick manual of progressive questions requiring specific verbal answers related to every aspect and detail of power plant operation. The task was to take the initiative, study and learn, and subsequently stand and deliver the correct answer to each question by peer and supervision review. Only after satisfactory completion was one deemed qualified and permitted to assume the responsibilities of the applicable position. This question-and-answer learning process was truly an effective (and often intense and nerve-racking) means of instruction. Maybe this is one reason I have such a strong affinity and appreciation for the catechisms of the Christian faith!
AS to the historical context dating back to the early church, there is evidence to catechetical methodology being practiced in the second and third centuries AD, especially during the time of Roman persecution, with the appearance of the Cyprian Catechism authored by Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus – 200 to 258 AD, a North African Bishop of Carthage. It is a lengthy instruction manual that contains 174 statements under three separate headings, in which he writes:
Cyprian to his son Quirinus, greeting.
Of your faith and devotion which you manifest to the Lord God, beloved son, you asked me to gather out for your instruction from the Holy Scriptures some heads bearing upon the religious teaching of our school; seeking for a succinct course of sacred reading, so that your mind, surrendered to God, might not be wearied with long or numerous volumes of books, but, instructed with a summary of heavenly precepts, might have a wholesome and large collection for nourishing its memory. And because I owe you a plentiful and loving obedience, I have done what you wished. I have labored for once, that you might not always labor.
THUS, catechetical instruction harkens back to the beginnings of the Christian Church, being developed over time in various ways and venues. In the Introduction to Luther’s Small Catechism, we read:
1) What do we call this book we are about to study?
a. We call this book “The Catechism.”
2) What is a catechism?
a. A catechism is a book of instruction in the form of questions and answers.
3) Who wrote our Small Catechism?
a. Doctor Martin Luther wrote our Small Catechism. (1529)
4) What does Luther’s Small Catechism contain?
a. Luther’s Small Catechism contains the chief parts of Christian doctrine.
AS to Westminster Shorter Catechism, we find a catalogue of 107 questions and answers. This is the fourth cycle going through all 107 questions resident within this website and blog. Contained herein each Shorter Catechism question is alignment in harmony to both the Larger Catechism and Confession of Faith. The harmony is at the end of each lesson, after the Training Hearts, Teaching Minds review questions. There is also a home page menu dropdown link to a Harmony Index that includes doctrinal headings for each topical division of catechetical instruction.
EACH question in the study begins with an introduction, followed by the catechism question and answer, and associated Scripture references. Next is a paraphrased version of the question and answer by Star Meade, followed by comments and considerations for discussion; concluding with a few study questions based upon the book Training Hearts, Teaching Minds by Starr Meade. (Published by P&R Publishing, PO Box 817, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865-0817.) This book is a 349-page “Family Devotional based on the Shorter Catechism” that breaks down all 107 questions into weekly studies, making use of six concise Monday to Saturday devotions. Obtaining a copy of Training Hearts, Teaching Minds is highly recommended. The book may be purchased from various sources, included P&R Publishing at www.prpbooks.com.
It is this writers prayer and deep desire that these studies in the Westminster Shorter Catechism be a blessing in bringing Every Thought Captive to Christ in a thorough understanding, appreciation and love for the invaluable truths of the Christian Faith – inscribed within the Westminster Confession of Faith, Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
*Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. As it is, so shall it be, Amen.
*Jude 24-25
