Primary Components - Catechism May 4, 2007
Posted by Joe in : Family Worship Series , trackbackErin,
Good work on the memorization front yesterday. I have especially been amazed by Abigail’s ability to memorize longer passages. I mean, I knew that children are able to soak things up easier, but the memorization aspect of things has especially stood out.
In that vein, I figured I would forward today by discussing the use of a Cathechism. Here is what I found when I looked it up on Wikipedia.
“A catechism (κατηχιsmός in Greek) is a summary or exposition of doctrine, traditionally used in Christian religious teaching from New Testament times to the present.[1] Catechisms are doctrinal manuals often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorized, a format that has been used in non-religious or secular contexts as well (see FAQ).
Catechesis is an elementary form of religious instruction, typically oral, and traditionally under the guidance of a parent, pastor or priest, religious teacher, or other individuals in church roles (including a deacon, religious brother or sister, or nun) who poses set questions and prompts students (or disciples) toward understanding the answers given. Catechetics is the practice of this kind of instruction, or the study of it, including training in such instruction.”
That sums things up quite well I believe. A catechism is a summary of Christian doctrine, often using a question and answer format that lends itself to rote memorization. Catechesis is simply instructing someone in that catechismal format.
First, I would say that this is format of instruction is sadly, in much neglect today. Many of our “Bible-believing” churches today have moved away from instructing their members in a catechism. And by members, I, of course, mean adults. For a catechism is a simple and effective way of training people in the basics of Christian doctrine. It is also a comprehensive way to do so. That is, a good catechism (of which there are many we will later recommend), summarizes Christian doctrine as a whole. It doesn’t ‘water it down’, but it does summarize it so that it can be memorized or at least readily understood by anyone reading.
That being said, I think it is important to note that the memorizational element of catechismal instruction is a much underestimated tool in the raising of children and also, the leadership and teaching of Christians. I say underestimated, because I think that rote memorization has somehow come to be looked down upon by modern-folks like us. For whatever reason, we just don’t think it is an effective tool to learning. Well, I (and you) strongly disagree. For memorization is a very powerful learning tool (in every sphere) in that it enables specific facts and anything else to sink down deep into our thinking. And the way our minds work, I would even argue that memorization serves to renew our minds at the deepest levels of our being. I can’t explain exactly how it works, but it does work. And when it comes to the memorization of a complete body of Christian doctrine (along with Scripture, not substituting for it!), the effects of such memorization are incalculable.
Again, we end up at the reality that the things which come hardest to us are usually most beneficial. Memorization is not easy at all. But as we might expect, it pays great dividends! As it relates to family worship time, we are wise to start slow and remain slow. Memorization seems to be easiest and most effective when we do it little by little. For catechismal instruction, we usually ask and answer a question out loud until Abigail can give the answer by herself with little effort (she is 3 years old). And after she learns a new question, we review every other question. It only takes a few minutes a day (I’ll spare you the math today!), but it is a amazing how much you can learn by giving this practice just a few minutes a day!
I could say more, and maybe more needs to be said. Let’s take a look at making a catechism Part 2. Until then,
Seeking to be a faithful catechist with you,
Joe
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