“Captive Thoughts” is dedicated to bringing every thought captive to Christ. A major tool to that end is the study of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, the primary focus here on the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
THE Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you” (II Tim. 1:13-14). To that end, the Westminster Standards are commended to your study. The Primary Standard for faith and practice resides in the Scriptures alone (II Peter 1: 2-4). However, the Secondary Standards developed by our fathers in the faith, teach well the Scriptures that are alone “able to make wise unto salvation” (II Tim. 3:15).
THERE are many studies related to the Westminster Confessions available in book form or on the web. This particular study was originally published for the local congregation of Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Westminster, California, as weekly devotionals and studies in the Shorter Catechism. The intent of the study is to foster a greater understanding of and commitment to the precious truths of Scripture and the Reformed Faith; to engender deeper family devotions and catechism instruction; and to lend aid towards the memorization and appreciation of Scripture and the Secondary Standards.
Just what does the catechism mean?”
IT is a somewhat arcane word, not used much even in Christian circles. In the simplest of terms, it is a summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of fixed questions and answers, meant for the Christian instruction. The word is derived from the Greek Catechize, meaning to instruct by means of questioning. Historically, Catechisms are doctrinal manuals – often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorized by the Church, and have been used to teach and disciple Christ’s followers. It is a format that has been found useful in non-religious or secular realms – in academics and vocational training as well.
WHEN I worked for Southern California Edison, coming out of the Operator Training School so many years ago, I was assigned an Operator Check-Off Book. It was a thick manual of progressive questions with two adjoining signature boxes related to every aspect and detail of Power Plant design and operation. The task was to take the initiative, learn, stand and deliver upon peer inquiry the correct answer to each question to first and then second level supervision. Only then were you deemed qualified and permitted to assume the responsibilities of your position. It was truly an effective (and often intense and nerve wracking) means of instruction. Maybe this is one reason I have such a strong affinity for the catechisms!
THERE are 107 Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions. Shorter Catechism instruction includes a harmony to the relevant Larger Catechism question and Confession of Faith. A Harmony Index is present on this site, containing a doctrinal heading for each topical division of instruction.
EACH study begins with an introduction, followed by the catechism question and answer, along with Scripture references; then the question is paraphrased and discussed. Each study concludes with 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.
Teaching Diligently provides a valuable resource for catechetical instruction, Bringing Back the Catechism. IN addition, Captive Thoughts home page links will lead to other excellent online resources for study available at the Westminster Shorter Catechism Project, placed on the Internet by the Bible Presbyterian Church. Among other things found there, it contains the works of such authors as Francis R. Beattie, John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, Matthew Henry, Thomas Vincent, John Whitecross and Thomas Vincent.
MAY the Lord bless the efforts taken here to the end that His children may grow in grace and in knowledge of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the use of this study. May His name be exalted in and through all to His eternal praise and enjoyment to that chief end of man as taught in Westminster Shorter Catechism Question #1, Soli Deo Gloria.
Yours in Christ,
Joe LoGiudice
Ruling Elder Emeritus, Westminster Orthodox Presbyterian Church
