Children’s Catechism
Blog | Pastor Duane
Catechisis is a form of question and answer teaching used for training the mind to think and understand properly. The word “catechism” literally translated means “to sound down” into the ears, a metaphor for indoctrination.
For hundreds of years Christians have prescribed to and used catechism as a method of learning for both children and adults. Some of the most well known Catechisms are the Belgic Confession, the Canons of Dort, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Westminster Confession and the London Baptist Confession.
Since they were babies fresh out of the womb, I have informally practiced catechisis with my children teaching, them basic things about who God is, the word he has given and the gospel he has provided for our salvation. As time has progressed I discovered the need for a more comprehensive program to assist me in the spiritual leadership of my home. I discovered an old catechism for children written in 1840 by Joseph Engles, but in some parts the language was outdated. So I have updated that catechism and also included at least one Scripture verse (ESV translation) for each answer which can be used for memorization.
Feel free to download it and use as you please:
Joseph Engles word to Fathers in his introduction is one of the most humbling and weighty things I have ever read about the responsibility I have before my God regarding my children. May it inspire you and encourage to lead your children in knowing God’s Word which heralds the Gospel.
You have an awfully responsible office in being entrusted with the training of immortal spirits for the service of God on earth and for glory in heaven. The temporal welfare and the eternal salvation not only of your own children, but of future generations, may depend upon your faithfulness in the discharge of this duty. The prosperity, and even the continuance, of the church of God on earth are connected with the religious education of the rising generation.
Be admonished then to enter on this work of faith and labor of love with diligence, preparation and prayer. Endeavor to impress the minds of the dear children with the importance of understanding what they learn. Be not satisfied with the verbal accuracy of their answers. Encourage them to ask and be ready to answer questions for information, while you gently check a spirit of idle curiosity. Endeavor to make what most children consider an irksome task a pleasing and profitable study. Be not discouraged nor chafed in your minds if you find that “ line upon line and precept upon precept” are required to overcome the dullness or heedlessness of your youthful disciples. Remember the words of the divine Teacher, who, when inviting sinners to become his disciples, said, ‘Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart (Mt. 11:29).
