I ran across some quotes on catechizing, that remind us of its importance down through the years. It should be pointed out that catechizing and catechism are two different things. We use the catechism to catechize, but memorizing the catechism is not catechizing. Catechizing uses the catechism for the outline of study toward the goal of learning the teachings of Scripture. Learning the catechism is never the end, rather the goal is to gain understanding of Biblical doctrine with the help of the catechism.
The great reformer, Martin Luther, believed strongly in catechizing and commented, “As for myself, let me say that I am a doctor and a preacher. I am as learned and experienced as those who are so presumptuous and confident (i.e. to despise the Catechism). Yet I do as a child who is learning the Catechism…I daily read and study the Catechism, and still I am not able to master it as thoroughly as I wish, I must remain a child and a pupil of the Catechism, and this I do very willingly.”
“Without such helps as these” (catechisms), the great hymn writer Isaac Watts wrote, “they might turn over the leaves of their Bible a long time, before they could collect for themselves any tolerable scheme of their duty to God or their fellow-creatures.”
And, Matthew Henry, in an admirable defense of the use of Catechisms and Confessions gives three valuable ends achieved through the use of catechisms:
Hereby the main principles of Christianity, which lie scattered in the Scripture, are collected and brought together; and by this means they are set in much easier view before the minds of men.
Hereby the truths of God, the several articles of Christian doctrine and duty, are methodized and put in order.
Hereby the truths of God are brought down to the capacity of those who are as yet but weak in understanding.
Dr. John Murray, who was a gifted theology professor at Westminster Seminary wrote, “Looking back over the history of the post-Reformation Church we can see that it was where the catechetical system of instruction was adhered to that the best fruits of the Reformation were preserved and transmitted.”
Finally, Richard Baxter dealt at length with catechizing in his book, The Reformed Pastor. “When I look before me,” he writes, “and consider what, through the blessing of God, this work (of catechizing) well-managed is likely to produce, it makes my heart to leap for joy.” And he lists twenty particular benefits of catechizing Christians.
Catechizing is contrary to the spirit of our age and it seems that even evangelical Christians do not care for doctrine, question eternal absolutes, and are resistant to what is sneeringly referred to as “Calvinism”.
But, history shows that the fruit of catechizing has been a stronger church, and we all know the church needs strengthening. Perhaps you could begin using the catechism in your personal study and in your family worship. It would be time well spent.
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