Category: Catechisms

Reading outside your tradition

April 4, 2025

One of the things Bible college did was teach me to read outside my church tradition. By this I mean do not just read things that are written by people in your denomination.

The Bible college I attended had lecturers from across the Christian traditions. We had people from evangelical, pentecostal, orthodox and even catholic churches as lecturers. Most were open to tell us which tradition they came from, some would not tell us. They wanted us to try and guess during the semester.

I found this really helpful in understanding what people and various churches taught. I think it made me more open to learn and to help me solidify some of my own beliefs. It also showed me that we have way more in common than differences.

For one of my theology units we used the textbook “The Mosaic of Christian Belief” by Roger E. Olsen. It took a topic and broke it down as follows for example on creation…

  1. Issues and polarities of christian beliefs about creation.
  2. The consensus christian beliefs about creation.
  3. Alternates to the christian consensus about creation.
  4. Diverse christian beliefs about creation.
  5. A unitive christian view on creation.

Looking at topics from this perspective gave us a broad overview of what christians believe today about an issue and positions held down through the ages.

Since finishing Bible college I have continued this habit. Last year I read a number of books from the Catholic tradition, this year I am reading more Anglican books and catechisms.

Some might think of this as not helpful or even a little bit “dangerous”, but I do it through the lens of Bible college and being well formed in my beliefs. I can eat the meat and spit out the bones as they say.

Being open to other traditions has helped me to read the early church fathers, read the catholic and anglican catechisms, read about the lives of the Saints, and about praying with the catholic rosary and anglican prayer beads.

Reading from other traditions has helped me grow in my faith. Not only do I understand different positions a little bit more, but I have learned and incorporated new things in to my personal faith.

Your new life in Christ

April 2, 2025

The Bible tells us to forget not the benefits that God gives us in our relationship with Him (Psalm 133:1-5). What then do we gain from our new life in Christ?

Catechism number 15 lets us know…

What does God grant in your new life in Christ?

God grants me reconciliation with him (2 Corinthians 5:17–19), forgiveness of my sins (Colossians 1:13–14), union with him in Christ (Romans 6:3–5), adoption into his family (Galatians 4:4–7), citizenship in his kingdom (Ephesians 2:19–21; Philippians 3:20), new life in the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4–5), and the promise of eternal life ( John 3:16; 1 John 5:12).

(Source: To be a Christian #15)

A simple discipleship idea

March 21, 2025

I was thinking about the discipleship process recently and reflecting on simple tools that we can use.

One idea was to encourage people to do one question a day (or a few a week) from the “To be a Christian” catechism book. This book is in question and short answer format. It also has Bible passages.

Here is an example from question 2…

What is the Gospel?
The Gospel is the good news that God loves the world and offers salvation from sin through his Son, Jesus Christ. (Psalm 103:1–13; Isaiah 53:4–5; John 3:16–17; 1 Corinthians 15:1–5)

I really like this simple format. It is straight to the point and you can read the passages afterwards. It will give you a quick thought to reflect on during the day.

I could imagine doing this with a small group of people and getting together once a week to read the question and the passages and to talk about it.

I can see this would have been really handy when I was a Pastor discipling our young people.

If you are interested, I downloaded a free PDF copy from here, and then purchased a hard back copy from Koorong.com here.

To be a Christian book

February 12, 2025

I just received a hard copy of a book I have been reading. I had been reading the PDF version and found it to be a great resource, so I decided to add it to my physical library.

To be a Christian is a catechism style book that has over 360 questions and answers. It touches on all areas of our faith as Christians. I wish I had something like this as a new Christian, it would have been really helpful.

Here is an example question and answer about Jesus…

  1. Who is Jesus Christ?
    Jesus is the eternal Son of God, the Savior of the world. Fully divine, he took on our human nature, died on the Cross for our sins, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now rules as Lord and King over all creation. (Numbers 21:4–9; Psalm 110; John 3:13–15; Philippians 2:5–11; Colossians 1:15–20)

I really love that it has a short answer that you could memorise and it has all the Bible references that you can look up.

Here is a description from the publisher…

Catechesis is an ancient practice of Christian disciple making that uses a simple question-and-answer format to instruct new believers and church members in the core beliefs of Christianity. To Be a Christian, by J. I. Packer and a team of other Anglican leaders, was written to renew this oft-forgotten tradition for today’s Christians. With over 360 questions and answers, plus Scripture references to support each teaching, this catechism covers the full range of Christian doctrine and life, drawing from the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and other important doctrinal summaries. Clear, concise, and conversational, this resource was written for all believers who seek to be grounded more deeply in the truth of God’s Word.

I downloaded a free PDF copy from here, and then purchased a hard back copy from Koorong.com here.

What is temptation?

January 26, 2025

I am reading a book called, “To be a Christian” that is in a form of question and answer Catechism for growing in our faith.

I am up to the section on temptation on page 77. I really like the way it addresses key questions, has a short answer with lots of Bible references. Below is a sample…

  1. What is temptation?
    Temptation is any enticement to turn from faith in God and to violate his commandments. (Proverbs 1:8–19; James 1:14–15)
  2. What are the sources of temptation?
    I am tempted by the false promises of the world, the selfish desires of my flesh, and the lies of the devil, all of which war against God and my spiritual well-being. (Genesis 3:1–8; Proverbs 30:7–9; Mark 7:15; James 1:13; 1 John 2:15–17)
  3. What help do you seek from God in the face of temptation?
    I ask God to increase my faith to trust him, enliven my conscience to fear him, soften my heart to love him, and strengthen my will to obey him, that I may resist evil and stand in the face of temptation. (Proverbs 2; Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:31–32; 1 Corinthians 10:12–14; James 4:5–10)
  4. Does God lead you into temptation?
    No. God never tempts anyone, nor is he the cause of any sin; but he does allow me to be tested so that I may grow in faith and obedience. (Genesis 22:1–18; Job 1:6–12; Psalm 11:4–5; Proverbs 17:3; Matthew 4:1; James 1:12–15)
  5. What are ways to guard against temptation?
    As I abide in Christ, I can guard against temptation by praying for protection and strength, confessing my sins, recalling God’s Word, avoiding tempting situations, and seeking the support of fellow Christians. (Genesis 39:7–12; Psalm 119:9–11; Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 14:38; Romans 13:11–14; Ephesians 6:13–18; 1 Peter 4:1–2, 7)

I really love the question and answer format. I can see it would be a useful devotional and discipleship tool to help us learn and grow in our faith.

It is available online to purchase in paperback or hardback. I got a PDF copy from here.

(Image: Carolyn Dyk/Wycliffe Bible Translators)