Catechize and Memorize

by autumn on October 6, 2009 · 2 comments

Two months ago I thought that Catechism was something that just Roman Catholics did.  How saddening to think I would have gone my whole life believing this and missing out on a blessing.

cat·e·chism (kt-kzm)n.

1. A book giving a brief summary of the basic principles of Christianity in question-and-answer form.
2. A manual giving basic instruction in a subject, usually by rote or repetition.
Late Greek katkhismos
Once Michael introduced me to what Catechism is we then went about choosing which one we’d use.  Which one?? Yes, there are choices.
Here is a sampling:
How do you go about choosing a catechism for your family?


First, you must know what you and your spouse hold to be true biblical doctrines and theology. If you don’t know this, I’d give thought to that before choosing a catechism. For example, we are closest to a “reformed baptist” thinking, so after research we found John Piper’s catechism to be right on target. (It’s actually a revision of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and very close to Spurgeon’s catechism.)


Another way to find a catechism is by looking at your church’s doctrinal statement and finding a catechism that closely matches that. You may even want to ask your pastor/elder/reverend for advice in this matter. Some churches implement a catechism in their Sunday School materials for children, but most churches today do not. However, even if they do, I recommend teaching it at home.


Our daily homeschool schedule includes memorization.  I use the Baptist Catechism and the Bible for memory work.  For Haley she will memorize a question in the catechism, a small Psalm, or a group of scriptures.  The last couple we have done, for example, are Hebrews 1:1-2 and Psalm 61.  In the past we’ve successfully and with ease memorized Psalm 23, Psalm 127, Romans 8:28.


I give you these examples because, if you are like me, I never know what to choose.  To decide I usually turn to my Systematic Theology book and use one of the verses from our weekly study.
Haley is very gifted in memorization,  Haven not-so-much.  You’ll quickly know how much your child can handle. 


The first 2 questions in the catechism are short and simple.  After that they get longer and with much more difficult words.

Question 2: What is the chief end of man?

Answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.

Question 5: How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God?

Answer: The Bible evidences itself to be God’s Word by the heavenliness of its doctrine, the unity of its parts, and its power to convert sinners and to edify saints. But only the Spirit of God can make us willing to agree and submit to the Bible as the Word of God.

When I read the questions and verses to Haley each morning I sit back in amazement at the arsenal she will own when she leaves our home.  To have been taught these truths at an early age is priceless.  I think back to all the times I was overwhelmed and I kick myself for not knowing Psalm 61 or Psalm 23.  But, I’m learning them now!

Learning the catechism is a journey for sure.  It isn’t something we will have memorized within the next few years but something we will work on throughout all our children’s years of schooling.

Related Posts with Thumbnails

{ 1 trackback }

Memorization Ideas
December 13, 2009 at 8:30 p

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

1 Grateful for Grace October 7, 2009 at 8:30 p

I am too hard on myself most times. I get too caught up in all I want them to know and experience and feel before they leave my home. Doing the catechism is a great way to impart truth and put it at the ground level of their memory. I have to sit back and remember, like you said, what they will leave with. Though it may not be all I’d like (I’m soooooo imperfect), it’s more than I ever had. I have to trust God with that. Obedience + His Sovereignty = Peace

Hugs,
GfG

Reply

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv Enabled

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Previous post:

Next post: