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Two men found themselves in a sticky situation during the American Civil War.
Both were walking through a city in the throws of violent conflict when one stopped and asked the other: ‘What is the chief end of man?’ ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever,’ was the prompt reply.
The questioner doffed his hat to his new acquaintance and replied: ‘I knew you were a Shorter Catechism man just by the manner in which you walked.’
This story clearly demonstrates that a strong foundation of God’s word can be the cornerstone of life even during the most trying circumstances.
The catechism maybe went out of fashion during your childhood – yet your children and grandchildren may rediscover this learning format for the treasure that it is. Shorter Classics like the Westminster Catechism and the Heidelberg are no longer relegated to dusty ministerial shelves. Congregations and families are developing them for their original purpose – teaching young minds. The question and answer format utilises a child’s natural curiosity while helping adults to answer questions Biblically.
Here are a few examples. My First Book of Questions and Answers by Carine Mackenzie is a straightforward introduction to this style of learning. It is an inexpensive little book that can be used with preschool to upper primary. And is part of a series that follows a variety of themes such as Christ, The Gospel, and The Church. (ISBN: 978 1 857 925 708)
The New City Catechism takes 52 questions and answers to help children and adults alike to learn foundational Christian truths. As well as a kid’s edition there is also a curriculum with lesson outlines and activities for children’s ministry. For more details go to newcitycatechism.com
The Acrostic of Jesus by New Growth Press is a full-colour rhyming book on the person of Jesus Christ. Jonathan Gibson and Timothy Brindle make memorisation simple and fun. Each characteristic, A to Z, weaves together a beautiful picture of who Jesus is. (ISBN: 978 1 645 072 041)
The question and answer format can be seen in Sinclair B. Ferguson’s children’s volumes: The Big Book of Questions and Answers about the Christian Faith (ISBN: 978 1 527 106 154) and The Big Book of Questions and Answers about Jesus (ISBN:978 1 527 108 042). Both titles were reprinted recently with new illustrations.
Another Catechism that has been given a new lease of life is The Westminster Shorter Catechism. Reftoons has illustrated the original text from the 1600s with a humorous cartoon style. It is available for preorder and will be printed in October 2022. Visit www. reftoons.com for more details.
Christian Focus have recently updated the text of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Available in stores in September 2022 (ISBN 978 1 527 109 025). The full-colour graphic illustrations help to explain the doctrine and Biblical truths in a thought-provoking way. The advance copy on my desk has endorsements from Tim and Kathy Keller as well as Sinclair B. Ferguson. Scripture proofs and a glossary at the end make it a useful addition to your family library.
