Teaching a Catechism

[oboy]

I've never gone to a church that uses a catechism to teach children, but I'm interested in using one to teach my homeschooled children.

I'm not Catholic, nor am I Reformed, and don't know if there's a catechism that I would agree with wholeheartedly (I'm a former Southern Baptist with Charismatic beliefs that believes in an elders-facilitated house church rather than a pastor-led institutional church).

I've considered writing one for my family, but I still really don't have a clue as to how best to use the catechism to teach my children.

Is it just rote memorization? Do you show each point from the Bible?

I have the Vic Lockman Catechism for Younger Children with Cartoons that I can use.

Any ideas and suggestions are helpful, including suggestions of other catechisms that are not necessarily Reformed in theology.

Thanks for your help.

Stephen

 

[stephen]

(I'm a former Southern Baptist with Charismatic beliefs that believes in an elders-facilitated house church rather than a pastor-led institutional church).

It sounds good .......

But are you preaching the 'gospel' in your situation now? That is Salvation through Jesus death on the cross....Who died in our place, suffered in our stead, and by whose stripes we are healed.....etc?

If so .......what is all this talk about the 'catechism'. Such system is of men.......and cannot save eternally.

Tidy up your thoughts in favour of Jesus. Meet Him and you will never be the same henceforth

I say it in love when I question......Have you met Jesus?


In His Love

 

[oboy]

Stephen,

I'm not talking about preaching the Gospel to my children. I'm talking about teaching them Bible doctrine in an easy to understand and remember format (my oldest child is six).

Teaching them the catechism includes teaching them about sin and judgment (using the Law, the Ten Commandments), and about the work of Jesus Christ. But I also want them to understand who God is and the basic doctrines of the Bible.

Teaching them the Gospel of salvation is something above and beyond merely teaching them the catechism (or Bible doctrine). I am not looking for the catechism to save my children. My desire is that when they become Christians, they will have a firm foundation and not fall away as so many "Christian" young people do today, as well as have an answer to those who question them.

Most Christian young people, including those who are truly saved, have no understanding about basic Bible doctrines. I do not want that said of my children.

 

[stephen]

Stephen,

I'm not talking about preaching the Gospel to my children. I'm talking about teaching them Bible doctrine in an easy to understand and remember format (my oldest child is six).

Teaching them the catechism includes teaching them about sin and judgment (using the Law, the Ten Commandments), and about the work of Jesus Christ. But I also want them to understand who God is and the basic doctrines of the Bible.

Teaching them the Gospel of salvation is something above and beyond merely teaching them the catechism (or Bible doctrine). I am not looking for the catechism to save my children. My desire is that when they become Christians, they will have a firm foundation and not fall away as so many "Christian" young people do today, as well as have an answer to those who question them.

Most Christian young people, including those who are truly saved, have no understanding about basic Bible doctrines. I do not want that said of my children.

Teaching them the Gospel of salvation is something above and beyond merely teaching them the catechism (or Bible doctrine). I am not looking for the catechism to save my children.

I am pleased to hear that

(using the Law, the Ten Commandments), Such cannot save, Eternally. Jesus alone is the Saviour

Have you met Him?

no understanding about basic Bible doctrines.

Bible doctrines cannot save any of us. We all have to meet Jesus


In His Love.....

 

[oboy]

Yes, Stephen, I know that Bible Doctrine will not save us. But Bible Doctrine does give us an understanding of what we believe and why.

It is my prayer that my children will be saved and will walk with Christ, loving God and fearing God. But I also want them to know why they believe what they believe so that the arguments of the world will not have any persuasive pull.

I understand your heart, but neither of your replies have answered my questions. I'm still looking for someone who can answer my original questions.

Thanks.

 

[stephen]

It is my prayer that my children will be saved and will walk with Christ, loving God and fearing God. But I also want them to know why they believe what they believe so that the arguments of the world will not have any persuasive pull.


I stand with you in that prayer and I apologise to you for my misunderstanding of your question.

God Bless...as I am sure He does.

In His love

 

[oboy]

Can anyone answer the above question?

 

[MelechYisrael]

If you're looking for teaching aids/tools for little people, then perhaps check out a few bible stores. Perhaps do a wee bit of searching on the internet. I typed in "catechism for children" on Google and came up with a slew of different sites. What about Christian schools? If you're not partial to one, then take parts of different ones and create your own.

 

[shipwrecksoul]

Oboy

Hello Oboy,
I will try answer with fun that I think you will appreciate and may answer your question. The other day I was 9 years old and my mother had a fire burning and I said oboy. My Mother went away from the fire and I said Oboy. I went to play with the fire and my Mother saw me and swat me on my bottom I said Oboy. My mom was the authority for right for my life so as
Gal 3:24 says, Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
says its a good thing to help your children learn the law as did the early primers books used by our founding fathers of this country America used to teach their children. I think its the word catechism you are using that may throw people off in your intent to teach your children God's law and you and me and others this fact that we have broken the laws of God we are guilty. Man has a problem called sin in which man refuses to believe that there are eternal consequences for having sin, which is a one way ticket to hell. God is holy and he will not allow anyone with sin to enter into heaven. God is hurt and angry about our sin, we have broken his laws. But God is just and good and he knows our need so he provided a solution to our problem. His solution to our problem is to have our sins removed by having our sins placed on someone else, a sacrifice for us; paying for the penalty of the sin we have in our lives. So that someone else would get the penalty of Gods wrath and separation on him that was meant for us. So God sent his son Jesus on a mission from heaven to earth as our sacrifice to die on the cross on our behalf after this happened three days later Jesus came back from the dead, alive. But that’s not all remember I wrote that God is exclusive about mans eternal destiny without the Savior? The only way that Gods promise can be applied to your life is for you to turn from your way of thinking and know that your sin offends and hurts God and call on the Lord Jesus who’s alive to save you. Your sins are then transferred to Jesus for what he did at the cross, dying and being abandon by God because of your sins, for you and because Jesus arose from the dead he is alive you can now enter into a relationship with God. Will you call out to Jesus to save you? It’s your choice to enter in exclusively with God’s grace for you. Where will you want to spend eternity after hearing Gods promise for you?

 

[oboy]

If you're looking for teaching aids/tools for little people, then perhaps check out a few bible stores. Perhaps do a wee bit of searching on the internet. I typed in "catechism for children" on Google and came up with a slew of different sites. What about Christian schools? If you're not partial to one, then take parts of different ones and create your own.

Hi MelechYisrael.

I've searched on the internet, but normally find a whole bunch of stuff showing the importance of teaching the Catechism, and a whole lot of different catechisms, without finding anything specifically teaching how.

I'm looking for the how. Is it simply rote memorization on the part of the child? How old are the children when they normally start learning/memorizing the catechism? Etc.

 

[oboy]

Hi shipwrecksoul,

The catechism does more than just teach the Law of God. For example, James Boyce wrote this "A Brief Catechism of Bible Doctrine," and starts with these Q&A:

THE BIBLE
1. What book have we that teaches about God?
The Bible.

2. By what other name is it known?
The Scriptures.

3. Into what two parts is it divided?
Into the Old and New Testaments.

4. How came it to be written?
God inspired holy men to write it.

5. Did they write it exactly as God wished?
Yes; as much as if he had written every word himself.

6. Ought it, therefore, to be believed and obeyed?
Yes; as much so as though God had spoken directly to us.

7. Does it teach us every thing about God?
It does not; no language could teach us the full glory of God, nor could we ever comprehend it.

8. How much does it teach us?
It teaches us all that is necessary about God, our duty to Him, our condition as sinners, and the way of salvation.

GOD
1. Who is God?
He is the Maker and Supreme Ruler of all things, and the greatest and best of beings.

2. Is there but one God?
There is but one God.

3. For what purpose did He create all things?
That He might show forth his glory.

4. Does He not also delight in the happiness and goodness of His creatures?
Yes; and these ends are secured by the display of His glory.

5. How did He make the worlds?
He made them out of nothing.

6. Of what did He make man?
He formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.

7. What may we learn from these acts of creation?
That He is a being of boundless power, wisdom and goodness.

8. Has He all other perfections?
Yes; he has every perfection, and to an equally boundless extent.

9. What is due to this glorious Being?
The supreme love and obedience of all his creatures.

So my question goes back to, is it taught by repetition? Read a little every night before bed, or in the morning, or at the dinner table? Is the child ultimately supposed to be able to quote all 100+ questions and answers by himself, or just be able to answer any of the questions correctly?

There are many different catechisms. Boyce is a Southern Baptist, and wrote the following as a little preface to his catechism:

The author of this brief Doctrinal Catechism knows of no work of the kind in circulation among Baptists. Keach's Catechism, generally called the "Baptist Catechism", is scarcely used at all. No reason can be assigned for this, except that it is too difficult for children. In the present work, an attempt has been made to simplify, as far as possible, without sacrificing important truth. The teacher may have to give some further aid, by explaining a few words here and there. The aim has been to bring the truth taught within the comprehension of children of ten to twelve years old and upwards. The desire has been felt to promote catechetical instruction in the family and the Sunday School. It is believed that there are many who appreciate its value as a means of teaching the truth of God. To the attention of such, this little work is commended, with the hope that it may meet their wants. At the same time, Pastors of churches, Superintendents and Teachers of Sunday Schools, and pious parents, are urged to consider how far a partial recourse at least to catechetical instruction may tend to restore the vigorous piety of bygone days.

But still no instruction for the complete catechism ignoramus, such as I.

 

[MelechYisrael]

Hi MelechYisrael.

I've searched on the internet, but normally find a whole bunch of stuff showing the importance of teaching the Catechism, and a whole lot of different catechisms, without finding anything specifically teaching how.

I'm looking for the how. Is it simply rote memorization on the part of the child? How old are the children when they normally start learning/memorizing the catechism? Etc.

Some practical tips for teaching catechism:

1. There is no substitute for planning and preparation.
2. Repetition is key.
3. Kids are enthusiastic about memory work when a leader is.
4. Repeating rhymes, chants and recitation aloud keeps the focus on a teaching point.
5. Singing Scripture and catechism answers are helpful with long-term retention.
6. Personalizing with anecdotes will enhance your teaching.
7. A game show format of catechism baseball makes review great fun.

* Be age-appropriate.
* Go slow and review often. Rote learning is only the first level of learning. We should work toward application and retention.
* Teach the Bible not just the catechism. We all need to keep in mind that the catechism is not the Bible. Therefore, it is essential to know the biblical basis for what is in the catechism. Catechism is simply a tool to help us remember and apply the Scriptures. Having a catechism that includes Scripture references can be of great value in this regard. The Westminster Confession of Faith published by Free Presbyterian Publishing is an excellent resource for these purposes.
* Lead by example. Learn the catechism with your children or grandchildren. This will be beneficial to everyone.
* Have a plan and work it. Most everyone has a difficult time getting started and persevering. Starr Meade has written a wonderful book, Training Hearts-Teaching Minds, published by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. The book divides the Shorter Catechism into a daily devotional format. She covers one question and answer per week with excellent scriptural supports. It takes two years or longer to go through the book, but it is easy to know where you are in the process. Great Commission Publications produces Shorter Catechism memory cards if you like that type of format.
* Do not expect instant learning or retention. Mastering the catechism is a long term project which will require much review and perseverance.


#1
Since all the teachings are valid, an older edition will be as equally usable as a newer edition.

#Step 2
Choose a complementary religion program or set of lesson plans to accompany the Catechism. The Faith & Life series is an excellent, solid program. While schools used to use just the Catechism, modern critics say children learn to simply recite doctrine without learning why the Church teaches it or how to apply it to their daily lives.

#Step 3
Read the Catechism with children, teaching them to reply to your questions with the supplied answers. Use the lesson plans or workbooks to help children learn more about each lesson.

#Step 4
Incorporate prayer, discussion and simple works of piety into the curriculum as you teach the Catechism to children. It's important to help children assimilate and live their Faith rather than simply memorize a book.

#Step 5
Have children ask you the questions and reply with the answers. They'll be paying close attention to your answer to make sure you get it right, and it will become more cemented for them.

Choose a catechism or religion curriculum.

Set aside a scheduled time weekly or several times a week to study the catechism with your students.

Lead each lesson by beginning with a prayer, including instruction and moving to discussion. As you teach the catechism at home, you'll find that discussion takes up a good portion of the allotted time. This discussion is often the most beneficial aspect for children learning more about their Faith.

Incorporate projects, field trips and practical works into your Catechism class.

Choose a curriculum that helps you break the catechism down into short weekly lessons.

#Step 2
Open each teaching session a discussion or visual aid. If the theme of this week's question and answer is "The Creation Story," for example, bring a bag of stuffed animals to class and let each child choose one to hold during the lesson. If the theme is "Life After Death," ask the children to share memories of loved ones who are no longer living.

#Step 3
Continue your lesson with a story from Scripture based on the same theme. Stop frequently throughout the story and ask if any of the children in the room can tell you what happens next.

#Step 4
Introduce the catechism questions and answers you want the kids to memorize this week. Have them repeat the answers over and over again, but keep it interesting. For one round, have only the children with brown hair participate. For the next, single out the boys. And finally, see if everyone can repeat the answers together while standing on one foot.

#Step 5
Close with a craft or game directly related to the week's lesson. Fill a table with paper, markers, scissors, glue, pipe cleaners and other craft items. Then ask each child to create an art project inspired by one of the Catechism questions. If he keeps his choice a secret, at the end of the lesson the other kids in the class can have fun guessing which principle his project represents.


I’ve read on some sites that they’ve started teaching their children as young as 3yrs old. Some churches have programs geared to 6 year old's. So, I’m going to assume you can start this program with your children at whatever age you wish to. It would also seem that learning for little people, is indeed by memory. I’m sure though, that as you continue to repeatedly teach the same material, it will, as for most people (including children) become not just memory, but knowledge.

Hope some of this information helps you along with your efforts.

 

[oboy]

I’ve read on some sites that they’ve started teaching their children as young as 3yrs old. Some churches have programs geared to 6 year old's. So, I’m going to assume you can start this program with your children at whatever age you wish to. It would also seem that learning for little people, is indeed by memory. I’m sure though, that as you continue to repeatedly teach the same material, it will, as for most people (including children) become not just memory, but knowledge.

Hope some of this information helps you along with your efforts.

Thanks. There was some good stuff in there.

I agree that little children probably just need to memorize, with questions thrown in to show that there is also understanding. I'm not too concerned with application at this age, unless it deals with character.

I'm over 40, and never even considered a catechism until a few months ago. I was never taught one, and not being very reformed, never really saw the need of one. But I think they can be good instructional tools to build a foundation in a child's life.

One thing I've noticed, though, is that catechisms for kids seem to rarely have the biblical references to back up the statements. I think that's a loss rather than a gain.

 

[MelechYisrael]

Thanks. There was some good stuff in there.

I agree that little children probably just need to memorize, with questions thrown in to show that there is also understanding. I'm not too concerned with application at this age, unless it deals with character.

I'm over 40, and never even considered a catechism until a few months ago. I was never taught one, and not being very reformed, never really saw the need of one. But I think they can be good instructional tools to build a foundation in a child's life.

One thing I've noticed, though, is that catechisms for kids seem to rarely have the biblical references to back up the statements. I think that's a loss rather than a gain.

I expect you could - when planning your outline/program - insert scripture references for the topic at hand. Wouldn't be too difficult to do. And of course, translate those references into a language that children will easily understand.

Have fun with this. God bless.

 

[oboy]

I expect you could - when planning your outline/program - insert scripture references for the topic at hand. Wouldn't be too difficult to do. And of course, translate those references into a language that children will easily understand.

That's what I plan on doing.

I may even write a catechism of my own that would include our Pentecostal beliefs, that way I could just back up everything with Scripture as I go.

 

[MelechYisrael]

That's what I plan on doing.

I may even write a catechism of my own that would include our Pentecostal beliefs, that way I could just back up everything with Scripture as I go.

Good idea...something to keep you busy and out of trouble, lol.

 

[HoneyBare]

Gosh, you guys; to be honest, catecism sounds rather boring and absolutly not a fun way to learn. I've worked with small children for about 8 years, and have found the best way they learn is by example. For instance, when you are watching a cartoon and you comment on how mean that character was and say, "but we are kind to our friends, right?" That would be an instant learning memory for a child.

In the same way, in China, the Red Army teaches youngsters to hate certain groups of people by living it. Living their hate. This is done by people they look up to, as they look up to you as a parent.

I would never teach a child something as boring as what you are suggesting. I don't mean to sound like I'm correcting you, but when it comes to children as young as 6, you must insert what you want them to learn, into their daily life experiences. If you are kind to your neighbor, for instance, they will tend to be what one of the 10 Commandments say I think: to love thy neighbor. Right? I'm no expert on religion, just children. Just my thoughts. Besides, I need to have five posts in order to have more privileges. lol

 

[MelechYisrael]

Gosh, you guys; to be honest, catecism sounds rather boring and absolutly not a fun way to learn. I've worked with small children for about 8 years, and have found the best way they learn is by example. For instance, when you are watching a cartoon and you comment on how mean that character was and say, "but we are kind to our friends, right?" That would be an instant learning memory for a child.

In the same way, in China, the Red Army teaches youngsters to hate certain groups of people by living it. Living their hate. This is done by people they look up to, as they look up to you as a parent.

I would never teach a child something as boring as what you are suggesting. I don't mean to sound like I'm correcting you, but when it comes to children as young as 6, you must insert what you want them to learn, into their daily life experiences. If you are kind to your neighbor, for instance, they will tend to be what one of the 10 Commandments say I think: to love thy neighbor. Right? I'm no expert on religion, just children. Just my thoughts. Besides, I need to have five posts in order to have more privileges. lol

To be honest with you HoneyBare, I haven't got a clue about "catechism". Just trying to help out and find information that would help.

As for being an example to our children and teaching them by example, I agree. Behavior can be taught by example. Attitude can be taught by example. How one speaks to/treats others, can be taught by example. But, at some point, they must also be taught in the "traditional" sense. Learning by example does not teach a child to read and write, or to do math. Learning by example does not teach a child how to read scriptures. Knowledge comes in many forms. And from different avenues.

 

[oboy]

Gosh, you guys; to be honest, catecism sounds rather boring and absolutly not a fun way to learn. I've worked with small children for about 8 years, and have found the best way they learn is by example. For instance, when you are watching a cartoon and you comment on how mean that character was and say, "but we are kind to our friends, right?" That would be an instant learning memory for a child.

That's good for behavior and attitudes, but not necessarily good for information/knowledge.

Learning math can be boring, or it can be fun. It depends on the teacher.

It's the same with Bible teaching. Reading the Bible can be boring to a child, or it can be the highlight of the day...depending on the parent/teacher.

My boys already have fun with memory verses. Some include hand actions, while other verses are put to tunes. Why not make the catechism fun, as well?

In the same way, in China, the Red Army teaches youngsters to hate certain groups of people by living it. Living their hate. This is done by people they look up to, as they look up to you as a parent.

I've met a few soldiers of the Red Army, and they are normally young folks who love a good laugh. Nearly every university student has to take part in military training prior to the school year, but they are not taught to hate.

Most Chinese hate the Japanese due to Nanking in the 1930s, but most Chinese have never met any Japanese. My Chinese wife now has Japanese friends.

 

[HoneyBare]

That's good to know, Oboy. About the Red Army. I think most of us still believe what the media, Time mag. and other pics portrayed back when. But, you have first-hand experience. I've always been afraid of the US being attacked by the Red Chinese. But that has changed too. Now it's the Muslims (which I suppose includes some Chinese.) Would your wife know how much the Islam faith has influenced the Chinese? And are Christians really persecuted there as bad as what we are told? Sometimes our media puts out a lot of propaganda like we accuse other countries of doing. But this is all off the subject.

Thanx, Melchec, for straightening me out. I don't know a whole lot about the proper way to teach a child Biblical stuff. That's cool your kids are memorizing scripture! They are lucky to be raised in your home.