The Catechism is a valuable tool for teaching our children what Christians believe. Many parents aren’t sure what the Catechism is, how to use it and why it is necessary.
The Catechism summarizes the central beliefs of the Christian faith in a question and answer format. A parent or Sunday School teacher asks the child a question and works with the child to help them memorize the correct answer. By this method, even a young child can learn what a Christian believes. In an age where too many Christians possess only shallow biblical knowledge, it is important that we train up children who can “correctly handle the Word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15. What we believe matters, and the Catechism is a great way to teach those truths which are central to Christian faith.
Some people wonder why catechizing is necessary, preferring to study the Bible instead. I would submit that it should not be an either/or study, but that both are profitable and necessary. In my opinion, the catechism deepens a child’s understanding of the Bible greatly.
Sometimes we drill portions of the catechism in order, just as we would math facts. Other times we focus on a section that pertains to what we are studying, such as the creation, or the Ten Commandments. As I learn the catechism along with the children, I can remind them of applicable portions as they pertain to daily life.
Recently we were talking about why we can’t see God. I reminded our preschooler of the 9th question in the children’s catechism, which says, “What is God? God is a Spirit, and has no body as we do.” As I pointed out to him that God doesn’t have a body, he replied, “Jesus had a body and He is God.” He learned that in questions 6 through 8, which are, respectively:
Q: Are there more gods than one?
A: There is only one true God.
Q: How many persons is this one true God?
A: Three.
Q: Name these three persons.
A: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
It was a blessing to have a conversation such as that with my young child.
Learning the catechism also helps our children recognize truth–and error–when they hear it. We read in 1 Timothy 4:16, “Watch your life and doctrine closely”. Some Christians don’t like the word doctrine, but the Bible teaches that we should care about it very much! It is critical that our doctrine be sound.
Our children will be bombarded with voices, all claiming to be true. Many will say they are Christians, and yet will not hold to the bedrock teachings of the Christian faith. A knowledge of the Catechism can help our children to see clearly when confronted with muddy waters.
There are many resources available for learning the catechism, including online resources that you can put your hands on and print this very moment for both the First Catechism and the Shorter catechism. If you prefer a digital catechism, you can download Children’s and Shorter Catechism widgets on my school blog. You can also purchase booklet copies of the Westminster Shorter Catechism with proof texts and the Children’s catechism through Great Commission Publications for about $1 per booklet.
The Westminster Shorter catechism is also available for free download as an MP3 file for audio learners. I am hoping to record an MP3 file of the Children’s Catechism this Labor Day weekend, so check back soon for that.
Catechism is taught like math facts, back and forth until the child has learned the answer. When learning catechism, we drill 5 or 6 Children’s catechism questions at a time, or focus on one Shorter Catechism question. Catechism drill can be done for a few minutes at the beginning of devotions, on Sunday afternoon or during mealtime.
At one time we used Teaching Hearts, Training Minds with our oldest child and Big Truths for Little Kids with our younger ones during our devotions. The children enjoyed those books and they were helpful in teaching the kids what the catechism answers mean. After awhile we set those aside, however, feeling that the accompanying devotions slowed down the progress of memorizing the catechism, which was our ultimate goal.
The best study I have ever seen for the catechism is G. I. Williamson’s The Westminster Shorter Catechism for Study Classes. We used this for an Inquirers Sunday School class many years ago, and it was excellent. This book helps one not only learn the catechism, but also points out scriptural proof texts to go along with each answer. There are questions for discussion, as well. This is the book I would really like to do with our oldest child when time permits. If you click on the link in this post, you can see inside the book.
We’ve also enjoyed the Judy Rogers CD, “Why Can’t I See God?” which has several catchy songs to help young children learn several of the First Catechism answers. This link will allow you to stream samples of the songs.
This school year, we have been very busy with our read-through-the-Bible plan, pushing ourselves to read many more chapters daily than we typically would. We always discuss comprehension questions, as well, so we’ve been pressed for time. Catechism has slipped off the daily roster and become more occasional. In writing this post, I’ve convicted myself that catechism is vitally important, and takes a relatively small investment of time for a big return. We will start back with Catechism practice tomorrow…will you?
Molly, This made me think back to my first year teaching Kindergarten. I had a student who I nicknamed “the missionary” (her parents had done a great job with her). Anyways she was having a rather heated discussion with another little girl – so I went to check on them. My little missionary was upset because the other little girl said God had no legs and that she had learned (from her catechism) that God was a Spirit! I giggled at the thought of 5 year olds having such a theological discussion. I could always count on my little missionary to bring up God in daily conversation and it was great since I couldn’t!!
I am going to look into this for Bell. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the encouraging post. I grew up learning the catechism… the pastor or an elder came to our elementary Christian school classroom once a week to teach us kids. Then in high school the classes were on Wednesday nights. I never had a full appreciation of the Heidelburg Catechism until I studied it in depth at Bible College. Now I want to use it with my 12 year old daughter. It encourages me that others are using the catechism yet, in an age when people have little time for theology.
Julie in WA
I really liked your post. It is interesting how many parents in religious education programs think that drilling something like the faith into children is more negative than positive. Yes, there is a wrong way to do it, but I think you make some great points. Our goal is to lead children to conversion. That only happens if you engage them in the knowledge of the faith as well as helping them to encounter Christ in their prayers life and experiences of serving God in their lives- it’s a Both/And not one ore the other.