Writing in Christianity Today, Lauren Groves mentioned an intriguing experience she had with her toddler, who had been listening to some catechism questions and answers set to music.
The two-year-old had listened to this CD on repeat in their car and was now able to recite theological truths that her mother had not been able to articulate even in her thirties. The author realised that these questions can do two things: “be used by the Holy Spirit to drench kids’ hearts in gospel truths, and give them a starting place to dive deeper into the knowledge of God.”
So, if revisiting this method of Christian education intrigues you, here are some books that might help.
One of the classic catechisms from church history is The Westminster Shorter Catechism. This has recently been modernised and illustrated in two different ways. Paul Cox’s edition uses cartoon-style illustrations (ISBN 978 1 629 959 740). Ira Minof has illustrated the same catechism in a more mid-century-modern style (ISBN 978 1 527 109 025). The catechism words themselves have been updated slightly in both editions.
The New City Catechism for Kids. This has a minimalist design, and is for sale at £1.99 which means it’s an excellent price for bulk purchasing for a Sunday School class (978-1433561290).
And then there’s the Faith Builder Catechism. This combines 52 questions and answers on Christian truths with a family-style devotional (ISBN 978 1 645 072 904).
Marty Machowski’s book The Ology – though not a typical catechism – has a similar purpose in that it teaches doctrine to children. It takes a more narrative style in its approach to explaining truth (ISBN 978 1 942 572 282).
My First Book of Questions and Answers is a black and white illustrated book, so sits nicely between the price of the non-illustrated New City Catechism for Kids and the more expensive full-colour options I’ve already mentioned (ISBN 978 1 857 925 708).
Thirty Second Theology by Sinclair B. Ferguson is a book I would consider for teens and young adults. It covers similar content to his earlier children’s material (The Big Book of Questions and Answers) but has a more minimalist graphic style. All the Christian doctrines are covered. Something that an older child might enjoy using as part of their devotional time (ISBN 978 1 527 112 674).
