Many of us in the church today have a vague notion of what catechisms are and how they can used, but in reality, the practice of catechesis—once incredibly commonplace in previous generations—has been largely lost in the modern day. I think this is quite a shame, because church history is filled with amazing catechisms, and the process of catechesis itself can be immensely valuable for adults, children, and families alike.
What is a catechism? At its core, a catechism is a series of questions and answers developed by a specific group of people to train others around them in the truths of the gospel and the doctrine they believe. These questions and answers are designed to be memorized and regularly repeated. Catechisms are teaching tools that have a variety of purposes, and they are developed both to clarify doctrine and to combat whatever false doctrine may be present in a society. Usually, specific communities develop their own catechisms based upon their own beliefs and practices; this allows everyone in the community to be on the same page theologically and to develop a culture which best reflects the biblical truth that they believe.
Catechisms can be used among adults in churches to help teach new members and new converts of the realities of the Christian faith and the truths of the gospel. They can also be used with children to impart them with the doctrinal building blocks that provide a foundation and structure upon which understanding and faith are given an opportunity to flourish. Families can make use of catechisms in all sorts of ways to grow together in their knowledge of the Christian faith and in their understanding of Scripture and its implications. There are many ways the tool of catechesis can be used, and each group or family can find their own method and whatever works best for them in their specific situation.
For children in particular, catechisms provide a structural framework that allows them to grow in understanding as they age. While you may initially question the value of having children memorize answers to questions they don’t yet fully understand, the truth is that these practices plant the seeds of truth into their hearts and minds, waiting to be watered by further experiences and understanding later down the line.
Princeton theologian Archibald Alexander argued that catechisms for children act like firewood in a fireplace. Without the fire—the Spirit of God—firewood can not produce anything by itself. But equally true is that without fuel, there can be no fire. Catechetical instruction puts wood in the fireplace of children’s hearts, and as we continue to teach them, and as they continue to grow in maturity and understanding, we pray that the Holy Spirit will use that fuel to light a fire that lasts for an eternity.
If you’re interested in looking into a catechism for yourself, we here at CBC Ilderton heartily endorse the New City Catechism. More information on that resource can be found here.
All the best,
Luke
