Q: What is a catechism?
A: A simple way to learn Bible truth.
Q: In what does a catechism primarily consist?
A: A catechism contains questions and short memorable answers.
Q: How might a person instruct their family in right doctrine.
A: The diligent use of a catechism.
Q: Does the catechism method ensure right doctrine?
A: No, only biblical answers ensure right doctrine.
Q: Do all catechism teach Roman Catholic doctrine?
A: No, many protestant catechisms have been written.
Q: Are catechisms only for children?
A: No, both young and old can benefit from orderly instruction.
Q: Does the use of a catechism detract from the authority of Scripture?
A: No, a good catechism will explain and uphold the Word of God.
Q: Do catechisms make children bored?
A: No, a wise teacher may use this form with great benefit for children.
Q: Are catechisms educationally appropriate for modern children?
A: Yes, the curiosity of an active mind is drawn to answer questions.
Q: Will using a catechism cause my children to become Puritans?
A: By the grace of the Lord, a catechism may convert one’s children.
Q: What are the best catechisms?
A: The Westminster Shorter Catechism and the Heidelberg Catechism are praiseworthy.
Q: Do these teach the errors of the pedo batistss?
A: Yes, a wise teacher will also use the Baptist Catechism. (a revision of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.)
Q: Can I learn the Baptist Catechism through song?
A: Yes, the servant of God, Jim Orrick, has produced them on CD.
Q: Are their any exceptional collections of catechism?
A: Yes, many books contain catechisms. Truth and Grace Memory Books 1-3
Q: Where can a person learn more about catechisms?
A: The internet has many resources. Wikipedia Article. Tim Challies on the Benefits of Catechisms. An Encouragement to the Use of Catechisms by Tom J. Nettles. Several blogs that praise catechsims and link resources: Baptist Catechisms by Timmy. The Baptist Catechism by James P. Boyce by James Spurgeon. Free Online Resources for Raising Godly Children by Steve Weaver.
James P. Boyce “A Brief Catechism of Bible Doctrine”. Tom J. Nettles A Catechism for Boys and Girls.
Q: What catechism does Tony Kummer’s children learn.
A: The Kummer children use the The Baptist Catechism , Big Truths for Little Thinkers, and A Catechism for Boys and Girls (preschool age catechism).
SEE ALSO from Reformed.Org:
Catechisms
• Catechism for Young Children
This document contains the Catechism for Young Children, a catechism used in many denominations as an introduction to the Smaller Catechism.
• The Children’s Catechism
This document contains a simplified catechism useful for introducing your child to the Reformed faith. It was written by Chris Schlect
• The Westminster Shorter Catechism
This document contains the Westminster Shorter Catechism with full Scripture references.
• The Westminster Larger Catechism
This document contains the Westminster Larger Catechism with full Scripture references.
• Visit the, Bible Presbyterian Church Online – Featuring the, “Westminster Shorter Catechism Project.” With a harmony of expositions by authors listed below:
Thomas Boston’s Of Man’s Chief End and HappinessJames Fisher’s Catechism on the CatechismJohn Flavel’s Exposition of the Assembly’s Shorter CatechismMatthew Henry’s A Scripture Catechism in the Method of the Assembly’sThomas Vincent’s The Shorter Catechism Explained from ScriptureThomas Watson’s Body of DivinityJohn Whitecross’ The Shorter Catechism Illustrated
• The Westminster Larger Catechism
This document contains the Westminster Larger Catechism with full Scripture references.
• The Heidelberg Catechism (With full scripture proofs)
Including a brief history From: Cyclopedia Of Biblical, Theological And Ecclesiastical Literature, by James Strong & John McClintock
• Fisher’s Catechism
The great Scottish commentary on the Westminster Shorter Catechism.A pfd for download.See the Harmony Q. 4. What is God, between Fisher and John Flavel
• Catechism Of The Church Of Geneva, Being A Form Of Instruction For Children.
Appreciated your comments on using the catechism in bringing children nup in the instruction and discipline of the Lord. We used them with our children – especially the baptist version and Spurgeon’s version of the castechism. We used them with the Scripture references as part of family devotions. It gave our children short, precise and biblical definitions of important biblical concepts. I recommend their use in the parenting seminars I do.
I love hearing my son speak the truth. The catechisms have made really deepened our family worship as well.
Tony
What an excellent post on the use of catechisms. I had Dr. Orrick as a professor before graduating at Boyce. His influence on me to use the catechism with my son (and the others when they can speak) was tremendous. Little kids can learn the catechisms. My five year old knows the first 24 questions by heart and puts my church members to shame. As you have said, it provides numerous opportunites to direct your kids to the gospel. Again…thanks for this post. Also, thanks for the link!
Dwayne
What an encouragement to see the five year olds entering the kingdom ahead of the adults. AMEN. May our children and their generation surpass us in the faith.
Dear Tony,
We use the TAG 1-2 with our elementary students at church. As Dwayne said, our kids at church can understand and explain systematic theology much better than most adults. My wife is beginning to teach the first two questions to the 1-2 year olds during SS with much success. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the encouragement! Truth is out of favor. Dr. Ascol’s church has done a great service with these books.
I have been unfaithful in this area alot lately. The regular excuses come to mind on why it isn’t happening, but mostly because I haven’t found it to be as important as I should.
Thanks again for the encouragement