Catechizing the Kids

I am my continuing quest to use my Sunday posts to highlight Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms. Today I want to touch on the topic of teaching children by the means of a catechism.

Catechism is a word that has become very familiar to the Kelley family because it is one of the ways we instruct our children in the things of God.

I'm almost certain that the mere sound of the word "catechism" strikes fear into the hearts of many modern Evangelicals. Baptists in particular probably think a catechism is some sort of skin disease one catches from associating too closely with Presbyterians, but I assure you, there's nothing to be afraid of!

A catechism is simply a way of teaching by the means of a question and answer format. The teacher asks a question, and the student answers it. Most catechisms have Scripture proofs so the teacher and student can go to the Bible to see what it says on each topic. We were first introduced to this method of instruction in our children's home school curriculum which is Bible based and from a Reformed/Presbyterian theological perspective.

From what I understand, the use of catechisms was once very common in early America, but much like Creeds and Confessions, catechisms have fallen on hard times as well. As much as I appreciate programs such as AWANA and Sunday School, I'm afraid that with the advent of such programs, the majority of Christian families have relegated the theological instruction of their children entirely to the local church. In doing so, they have forsaken their duty to rear their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

Using a catechism in the home on a daily basis would be a great way for any Christian family to begin to follow the principles God commanded to His people in Deuteronomy 6:5-7:

"And thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt rehearse them continually unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou tarriest in thine house, and as thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up:" -1599 Geneva Bible (emphasis added)

I have found this method of instruction to be very rewarding and profitable to my children's theological training. Because all my children are young (under 9), we use a simple Catechism designed especially for them. Not only are they learning important truths about God and the Christian faith, but I've have found this practice to be something that the children and I enjoy doing together.

If you have young children, now would be a great time to get started using a catechism. In fact, getting started won't cost you anything but a postage stamp. You can obtain a FREE Reformed/Baptistic catechism created especially for young children by writing to the following ministry:

Mt. Zion Chapel Library
2603 W. Wright St.
Pensacola, Fl. 32505
http://www.mountzion.org/

Ask for a copy of "A Catechism for Boys and Girls" by Erroll Hulse.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia