This Sunday I am beginning a new YouTube series called ‘Sunday Catechism’. I hope this series will be helpful to you (if it is pass it on to others)…. The Shorter Catechism is a great teaching tool – and CFP have published a great new illustrated edition –
Here are a few of the endorsements for it.
We have used the Westminster Shorter Catechism with our own children, and now with our grandchildren. This is by far the most visually attractive version we have ever encountered. We expect that many parents will want to get a copy as soon as they see it! Tim and Kathy Keller
Catechism is a long-forgotten practice in most of the Church. Sadly. And in today’s world it is more necessary than ever. In an increasingly hostile secular world, our young people need a deep grounding in biblical truths. Not only our children and young people, but also adults could benefit from learning the Westminster Shorter Catechism – one of the best known, loved and effective catechisms. This beautifully illustrated version updates the language without losing the meaning or simplicity of the original. As a result, it could be an extremely useful tool in defending the truth once delivered to the saints. If you use it! David Robertson
The great American theologian B.B. Warfield tells the marvellous story of an army officer who was so impressed by a stranger who walked past him in the street that he turned round to look at him. To his surprise the stranger had also turned round and was walking back towards him! As he came up to him he unexpectedly asked: ‘What is the chief end of man?’ ‘To glorify God and to enjoy him forever’ came the response. ‘I knew you were a Shorter Catechism boy by your looks!’ said the stranger, only to be told, ‘Why that’s just what I was thinking about you.’ The Shorter Catechism, whose first question and answer these two men exchanged, has shaped the lives of generations of Christians throughout the world. It teaches us biblical truth; it trains us to think; it builds stability and Christian character into our lives; it helps us answer the big questions. So it is fitting that it should be produced in this beautiful 21st century edition. For genuine beauty, true likeness to Jesus Christ, is what the Catechism helps to create in anyone – old or young – who uses it faithfully. Sinclair B. Ferguson
Here is the first one – with a little help from Maureen Macleod and Chariots of Fire.
What is your purpose? What is catechism? Why does it matter? With music from Maureen Macleod. Illustrated Shorter Catechism from Christian Focus Publications.
What a great idea, the Shorter Catechism each week. What a help this would be to many people if churches taught this for 5 mins. every Lord’s Day.
A good beginning to a series I’m looking forward to. Thanks David.
Over 60 years ago my devoted grandmother taught my three brothers and I the Shorter Catechism and to this day I still remember many of them.
I’ve never heard or read anyone else say this. Indeed, it may well disturb some advocates from both sides of the Reformation divide.
Nevertheless, it’s long struck me that although the terminology is different, at their cores, there’s a profound congruence between the Westminster Catechism’s First Question and Answer, and the First Principle of The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits,
“Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul.”
The Jesuits one is so different! And depressing! It speak so saving ourselves. That we cannot do….
You are no doubt aware of John Piper’s amendment to the answer is, “to glorify God*by* enjoying him forever.”
I have to hand a book commended by Tim Keller, (“I urge you to read this book. It will make you hunger and thirst for fellowship with God.”)
DA Carson (“If you desire to experience the truth that in God’s presence there are pleasures forevermore, you will be hard oressed to find a better guide”.)
and Mike Reeves (“This is straight up fuel for joy. Here is wisdom to brighten your every day with sheer enjoyment if God”)
and Sinclair Ferguson and Michael Jenson:
“Enjoying God” – experience the power and love of God in everyday life by Tim Chester.
It draws heavily on John Owen’s, Communion with God.
And on our Union with Christ.
BTW I have no affiliation with the author nor publisher.
The cover endorsements to my mind are remarkable bearing in mind they are from Christians not known for charismatic nor pietistic leanings.
This takes me back to my Catholic primary school in Inverclyde. Probably the first book me and my classmates ever owned. Covered in leftover wallpaper.
The teacher asking Who made you? “God made me.” Then:
Why did God make you? “To know Him, to love Him and to serve Him in this life and to live for ever with Him in heaven.”
Also getting the belt for wrong answers. Well it was a different age.
Looking forward to a less painful experience this time around.