Two Reformers who utilized catechetical instruction with great success in their ministries were Martin Luther and John Calvin. Luther initiated the catechism because pastors and church members lacked a basic understanding of Christian doctrine (Luther, \u201cSmall Catechism,\u201d 61). Calvin published his catechism because the church desired it (Calvin, \u201cThe Catechism of the Church in Geneva,\u201d 90) and for the purpose \u201cthat we are all directed to the one Christ, by whose truth, if we be united in it, we may grow together into one body and one Spirit, and with one mouth also proclaim whatever belongs to the sum of faith\u201d (Calvin, \u201cThe Catechism of the Church of Geneva,\u201d 89). In publishing a catechism, Calvin believed he was recovering something that had been misused for nearly a millennia by the Roman Catholic Church (Calvin, \u201cThe Catechism of the Church of Geneva,\u201d 90\u201391). Both Luther and Calvin intended for the catechism to be used in family worship, for fathers in particular to provide basic Christian education to their children. Luther\u2019s catechism included instruction on the Ten Commandments, the Apostles\u2019 Creed, the Lord\u2019s Prayer, baptism, and the Lord\u2019s Supper. Luther strategically placed the Ten Commandments before the Apostles\u2019 Creed. This reflected his conviction that the purpose of the Law was to expose one\u2019s sin and show one\u2019s need for Christ who was described in the Apostles\u2019 Creed. Calvin, on the other hand, placed the Creed before the Ten Commandments in keeping with his understanding of the continued use of God\u2019s Law (the moral law) for the Christian.<\/p>\n
Luther\u2019s concern for proper Christian education led him to preface his Smaller Catechism with several instructions concerning how the catechism could be used to promote basic Christian instruction. First, the catechist was to be consistent with regard to the wording of the entire catechism. This method particularly pertains to teaching the Smaller Catechism to youth. Consistency would help with memorization and internalization of the truths contained in the catechism. Second, after the catechumen became familiar with the Smaller Catechism, the catechist was to begin explaining the meaning of the catechism\u2019s content. Luther instructed the catechist to take their time with this step. He also suggested the catechist move from one part of the catechism to the next according to the pace of the learner. Third, after this step one could add additional teaching, such as The Larger Catechism to increase the learner\u2019s breadth and depth of biblical understanding. Finally, throughout the entire process the catechist should be looking for godly fruit in the catechumen. One should be looking for evidence of genuine faith in Christ. This is alluded to but not explicit. Luther actually encourages pastors to wait for people to come to them about celebrating the Lord\u2019s Supper (Luther, \u201cSmaller Catechism,\u201d 62\u201365).<\/p>\n
For more on the history and practice of catechesis I encourage you to check out some of the following resources:<\/p>\n
Anthony, Michael J. and Warren S. Benson, Exploring the History and Philosophy of Christian Education: Principles for the 21st Century<\/em>. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2003.<\/p>\n Calvin, John. \u201cThe Catechism of the Church of Geneva.\u201d in Calvin Theological Treatises<\/em>. LCC. Vol. 22. Trans. by J. K. S. Reid. 88\u2013139. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster, 1954.<\/p>\n Eby, Frederick. Early Protestant Educators: The Educational Writings of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Other Leaders of Protestant Thought<\/em>. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1931.<\/p>\n Krych, Margaret A. \u201cThe Catechism in Christian Education.\u201d Word & World<\/em> (1990): 43\u201347.<\/p>\n Noll, Mark A. Ed. Confessions and Catechisms of the Reformation<\/em>. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1991.<\/p>\n
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