I was not raised in the Catholic faith. However, if you used the word catechism around me, this was the picture that came to my mind.
Growing up, I had a few Catholic friends, but the topic of catechism never came up. I suppose my mental image was produced by Hollywood.
Not too long ago, I posited a question, to Christian blogger Tim Challies, on the subject of catechism. There arose quite a discussion as a result.
The word catechism comes from the Greek word katecheo, which simply means to teach Biblical truth in an orderly fashion. As it turns out, if we had all lived a few hundred years ago, it is very likely that we all would have memorized a catechism of one sort or other.
Generally speaking, catechisms are arranged with a question, regarding a faith topic, followed by an answer to be memorized, as well as supporting Scripture.
John Piper has put a revised version of a Baptist Catechism on his website here.
It seems to me that this would be an excellent place for someone to begin to explore some of the basic tenants of the Christian faith. It could also be a wonderful launching point for discussion.
Were you taught a catechism when you were a child? Do you still remember any of it?
