Reviving a Timeless Tradition: The Power of Catechesis
As a child, I remember my friend leaving our playgroup every Wednesday to attend catechism classes. I had no idea what that meant, but as I grew older and became a pastor and parent, I came to appreciate the value of catechesis. This ancient practice is more than just teaching children about the Bible; it’s a comprehensive approach to instructing them in the Christian faith.
A Rich History
Catechesis has its roots in the early church, where pastors and teachers used oral instruction to teach children and new converts about the Bible and its doctrines. The Didache, or The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is one of the earliest known catechisms. During the Reformation, Protestant theologians like Martin Luther and John Calvin wrote catechisms to codify and teach the next generation the fundamentals of the faith.
A Framework for Understanding
Catechesis provides a framework for children to understand the Bible and its teachings. It’s not just about memorizing Scripture, but also about grasping how the various parts of the Bible fit together. A good catechism sets forth questions and answers that help adults and children alike comprehend core Christian beliefs.
The Grammar of Theology
Catechesis teaches children the grammar of theology, helping them distinguish between justification and sanctification, the nature of God’s law, and the particulars of prayer and the sacraments. Just as children learn to read and write by understanding the role and function of nouns, verbs, and pronouns, they learn to articulate their faith through catechesis.
A Call to Revival
In recent years, catechesis has fallen on hard times. Many Christians have sought dramatic, emotional experiences rather than the quiet, incremental growth of catechetical instruction. However, the biblical evidence suggests that Timothy’s covenantal nurture by his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5-6) is the normative Christian experience, not Paul’s dramatic Damascus Road conversion (Acts 9:1-19).
A Charge to Pastors and Parents
Pastors, make use of catechetical instruction with everyone in your church. Use it for brief segments of congregational responsive readings in your worship services. Parents, especially fathers, pick up a catechism and use it in the evenings to instruct your family when you sit down for a meal. Feed your family’s bodies with food, but also feed their souls with good catechetical instruction.
A Timeless Tradition
Catechesis is a timeless tradition that has been passed down through the centuries. It’s a powerful tool for teaching Christians the language of their faith and articulating the basic tenets of Christianity. Let us revive this ancient practice and pass it on to the next generation, that they may grow into healthy, mature Christians.
Leave a Reply