Why We use the Catechism
I am persuaded that the use of a good Catechism in all our families will be a great safeguard against the increasing errors of the times, and therefore I have compiled this little manual from the Westminster Assembly’s and Baptist Catechisms, for the use of my own church and congregation. Those who use it in their families or classes must labour to explain the sense; but the words should be carefully learned by heart, for they will be understood better as years pass. May the Lord bless my dear friends and their families evermore, isthe prayer of their loving Pastor.
C. H. Spurgeon
- Catechism is a is a great way to have family devotions
- Catechism is a great way to learn the foundational truths of our faith
- Catechism is a great way for little children to learn and remember
- Catechism is great for young children in the grammar stage to memorize
- Catechism gives a great starting point to expound upon the tenets of the faith
- Catechism includes scripture to teach these tenents of the faith
There are many catechisms available, I would encourage you and your spouse to find one that you adhere to and to begin to use the catechism in your home.
Our family prefers the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and the Westminster Catechism.
For a list of Catechisms and Creeds use the link below or simply do a search.
http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/creeds.htm
Please share why you use the catechism or just your thoughts.
Posted in Catechism, Christianity, Curriculum, Homeschooling
March 8th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Thanks for stopping by- and I love that quote in your side bar!!!!!!!!!
Steph
March 8th, 2007 at 10:17 pm
We’ve never used catechism’s because I guess they just remind me too much of a catholic prayer book my mom had when I was a kid. We weren’t even catholic! I just felt more comfortable with the Bible because the others made me feel like it was just memorizing for the sake of memorizing and not really understanding (Mike and I went back and forth on that once when we talked about it). Or, in the case of the prayer book, praying for the sake of praying and not having a one on one conversation with God. I do, however, want a Geneva Bible!
March 8th, 2007 at 10:27 pm
Let me say, the Bible is first and foremost! However, we are not opposed to using other resourses such as the catechism, commentaries or writings of the great reformers to aid in our study.
Personally I do not have a problem with the memorization, I only have a problem if that is where it is left. We must use the scripture and expound upon those truths we have memorized. There is benefit, I believe in memorizing the tenents of the faith, it gives young children a basis of things in which to study as they grow.
I realize others do not like the catechism approach. It has been used as a tool in our family but not a replacement for the Word or a relationship.
I do see your concern and I suppose it is how you incorporate the use of the catechism as to what benefits will be reaped.
March 8th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
We use other stuff too.. wasn’t saying anything bad. I am studying lots of reformers and founders in our nation right now because of my love for history and what our country was originally founded on. I get it…LOL
March 9th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Swinging in for the party. Welcome. I am glad you could make it… Nice to meet ya
I am having another party favor give away over at monkey giggles. Come on over when ya get a chance.
PARTY ON…
March 10th, 2007 at 2:58 am
I like the idea of the catechism, but I don’t know how to choose between them. I wouldn’t be willing to start if we had (how many do you use? three?) more than one.
March 10th, 2007 at 4:08 am
The three I listed are the catechisms we like. When working with the children we have only used the Westminster thus far.
Here are some places to look for an easy to use catechism.
Heritage Home Catechism Kit:
http://www.efinders-keepers.com/index.asp?
Catechism in Cartoons:
http://viclockman.com/main.htm?catechism.htm~main