Reformed and Presbyterian Traditions

Reformed traditions are heir to some of the most well-known catechisms: Calvin’s Geneva Catechism, the Westminster Shorter and Longer Catechisms, and the Heidelberg Catechism. More recently, the New City Catechism has attempted to draw on the historic wisdom of the Reformed tradition to bring a new face to catechetical instruction. More than just catechisms, however, leading theologians like Tim Keller have argued for the recovery of a robust practice of catechesis to address the pressing needs for Christian discipleship today.

“The church of God will never preserve itself without a catechism, for it is like the seed to keep the good grain from dying out, causing it to multiply from age to age.”
— John Calvin

Reformed and Presbyterian Catechisms

New City Catechism (Redeemer Church)

The New City Catechism is the most recent edition to the Reformed lineage of catechisms. In the works for several years by Redeemer Church in NYC under the guidance of Tim Keller, it was published in 2017 (Crossway), and is comprised of 52 sections, one for each week of the year.

The language is clear, concise, and up-to-date. It's available in two print editions—one with just questions and answers and another for devotional use, with each Q-and-A paired with a Scripture reading, a short prayer, and a devotional commentary. It's also available as a mobile app, and they are working on a school-age curriculum to supplement its use (expected Summer 2018).

Read more about catechesis from Tim Keller here and here, and you can listen to “counter-catechesis for a digital age,” a podcast from the series, How to Reach the West Again, which includes reflections from Tim Keller as well as two pastors working in the field.


Shorter Westminster Catechism

The Shorter Catechism, written in the 1640s, has also long been a favorite among Reformed folk, as well as by many Baptist and Independent congregations.

It begins with this an unforgettable introductory question:

Q: What is the chief end of man? 
A: Man's chief end is to glorify God,1 and to enjoy him forever.


Heidelberg Catechism

The Heidelberg Catechism, published in 1563, is still a favorite among Reformed churches, relished for its warm, humane approach to teaching doctrine. It's divided into 52 questions, one for each week of the year.

A new translation has been done by Lee Barrett III (United Church Press, 2007). 

It's initial question sets the tone for the kind of work it is:

Question 1. What is thy only comfort in life and death?

Answer: That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.


Geneva Catechism

The Geneva Catechism is the fruit of Calvin's work on the catechism. He published two versions—the first in 1537 in French, the second published in Latin in 1545. The first was aimed at catechizing children and adults lacking basic competency. It was based on the first edition of the Institutes (1536), a text which was itself intended as a catechetical document, but soon realized would need to be expanded at length. Yet, even this version of the catechism was too complex, so he revised a simpler french version in 1545. 

The second, written in Latin, also published in 1545, was aimed at a larger, more educated audience (one that could read Latin). It also had an ecumenical aim: if all countries, despite varying catechisms, can publicly profess the truth of Christ, that would help achieve the "unity of faith" that we strive for.  

Calvin's earlier catechisms followed Luther's order: Decalogue-Creed-Prayer, but in the second edition he reversed the first two, reflecting a theological nuance. For Luther, the Law convicts us of sin; for Calvin (though he agreed with Luther), the more important "use of the Law" in catechesis is to point towards a God-pleasing way of life.

The final arrangement is:

  1. Faith (the Creed)

  2. Law (the Decalogue)

  3. Prayer (Lord's Prayer)

  4. The Word of God

  5. The Sacraments


Books and Articles on Reformed Catechesis

Lyle D. Bierma, The Theology of the Heidelberg Catechism: A Reformation Synthesis (Louisville: WJK, 2013).

Lyle D. Bierma, An Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism: Sources, History, and Theology (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005).

Lyle D. Bierma, The Doctrine of the Sacraments in the Heidelberg Catechism (Princeton University Press, 1999).

Kevin DeYoung, The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism (Chicago: Moody, 2010). 

Jean Francesco A. L. Gomes, “A Catechism that Makes Disciples: The Genevan Catechism,” Credo Magazine (October 18, 2021). Online here.

Karla Apperloo-Boersma and Herman J. Selderhuis, eds., Power of Faith - 450 Years of the Heidelberg Catechism (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2013).

John Hesselink, Calvin's First Catechism: A Commentary (WJK, 1997).

Terry L. Johnson, Catechizing Our Children: The Whys and Hows of Teaching the Shorter Catechism Today (Banner of Truth, 2013).

T. F. Torrance, The School of Faith: The Catechisms of the Reformed Church (Wipf & Stock, 1959).  

  • Philip Harrold, professor at Trinity School of Ministry, has written a nice short article summing up Torrance's contributions to Reformed catechesis in Christianity Today ("Getting to Know Him: Catechesis at its Best Is a Very Personal 'School of Faith.'" Sept. 2012).

Zacharias Ursinus, The Commentary of Zacharius Ursinus on the Heidelberg Catechism, trans. G. W. Williard. 

G. I. Williamson, The Heidelberg Catechism: A Study Guide (P&R, 1993).

G. I. Williamson, The Westminster Shorter Catechism: For Study Classes (S&R, 2003).

 

For a lengthier bibliography of Reformation catechesis, click here.