I am not afraid to use the word “catechism.” But I am careful to explain it because for many this particular “c” word evokes images of very high ceilings, stained glass windows, and robed men swinging smoke bombs at belly-button level. Catechism refers to instruction in the rudiments of a particular set of teachings, ususally through the use of clear-cut questions and answers.
Here’s an example Q&A from Keach’s Catechism. It’s Question #3 of 118.
Q. How do we know there is a God?
A. The light of nature in man, and the works of God, plainly declare that there is a God; but His Word and Spirit only, do effectually reveal Him unto us for our salvation. (Rom. 1:18-20; Psalm 19:1,2; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Cor. 1:21-24; 1 Cor. 2:9,10)
I maintain with fervor that catechism is a good word. More importantly than a good word, it is a good practice—and one that far too many of God’s churches have largely forgot and/or neglected. My biggest ministry goal is to inspire and equip churches to answer the question: “What are we doing to ground our children in essential Christian truth?” I think the catechical model of instruction is the best method to infuse correct and precise teaching into children’s hearts and minds. In other words, catechism is the best answer to my ministry goal’s question.
Many great Christians of old believed that the indoctrination of the youth and “ignorant” (unlearned adults) through the question and answer method was on the same par as the preaching of the Word from the pulpit! Thomas Watson, the prolific Puritan, said that “to preach and not to catechize is to build without foundation.”
Don’t be afraid of catechism. Research what a powerful tool this tradition has been in the hands of authentic Christians. Has it been abused and misused? Certainly. But so have the invitation system, church growth programs, and the bus ministry. Please understand that I’m not writing all those “traditions” off in one fell swoop! But I am afraid that writing off the concept and practice of catechism is exactly what many churches have done. We should not abandon catechism because of some negative connotations, associations, or aberrations. God’s people should reclaim catechism as a useful weapon against shallowness, heresy, easy-believism, and moralism.
Even the Roman Catholic Church has conceded on more than one occasion that those who hold to salvation in Christ alone—through faith alone—by grace alone, have gotten great advantage through catechizing the youth and uninstructed. At the Council of Trent, the Papists declared: “the heretics have chiefly made use of catechisms to corrupt the minds of Christians.” If you were called a “heretic” by the Council of Trent, there’s a great chance you were on the right side! Most people are shocked to find out that catechism is certainly not an institution wholly originating from or owned by the Roman Catholic Church.
John Murray, Assistant Editor of Banner of Truth Magazine, says:
It is surely an indictment of the Church today that in dealing with the subject of catechizing we have to begin by explaining the very meaning of the term. What was looked on as a necessary and beneficial practice by the early church and by the Reformers has now fallen into such disuse among Christian people that very few seem to have any understanding or appreciation of the subject. And yet we believe it is to the discontinuance of this practice that we can trace much of the doctrinal ignorance, confusion and instability so characteristic of modern Christianity.
Rediscovering and re-implemting catechism in children’s ministry is the biggest no-brainer in the world for the 21st century Church.
Thus begins my series of blog posts about catechism. Throughout the summer of 2006, I’m going to attempt to answer the most important questions concerning catechism for the purpose of convincing my audience of the validity and value of catechism for today’s Church.
The Kids 4 Truth Clubs are based on the catechical method of instruction. I have often described the club materials as “catechism on steroids.” The foundational part of the curriculum is a 120 Q&A catechism based on twelve doctrinal themes. So, in addition to convincing my blog audience that catechism is a concept with tremendous biblical, historical, and practical support—I’m hoping to steer the person that wants to effectively implement catechism into their church and/or family to at least one humble solution.
Here are the questions about catechism I plan on answering throughout the summer:
- What is catechism?
- Is there biblical support for catechism?
- What have great Christians said about catechism?
- What have significant unbelievers said about catechism?
- Why doesn’t every church catechize?
- Why should I catechize?
- Are there any valid objections to using catechism?
- How might I implement this into my church / family?
- What are some additional resources to help convince my local church to use catechism?
The forthcoming blog posts about this topic will be titled by the above questions.
If there are other key questions about catechism you’d like to see covered in this posts, please let me know. bob@kids4truth.com