Learning Jesus Christ Through The Heidelberg Catechism

“The Heidelberg Catechism does not represent a different theological orientation... here the Reformed Church confesses the good news of Jesus Christ in. a joyful, thankful, free, personal way . . . Barth has caught this spirit in his commentary. To read it is to become acquainted with a side of Reformed Protestantism which all too often has remained hidden.” - from the Preface The two short studies by renowned theologian Karl Barth included here were first published in 1964, the 400th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism—a classical document of the Reformation Period. Students, ministers, laypersons, and theologians continue to find these essays helpful, for they provide not only an introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism, but also a brief, systematic presentation of Reformed theology in the 16th century and a glimpse of Barth’s own theology on the 20th century. The first essay, “Christian Doctrine According to the Heidelberg Catechism,” is a question by question interpretation, commentary, and evaluation of the catechism. “Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism,” the second essay, examines the three basic questions of the document: Who is the Comforter? Who is comforted? and How is comfort given and in what does it consist?

This book is a collection of fifty-two devotions based on the Heidelberg Catechism, one of the foundational documents of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Former PC(USA) moderator Neal D. Presa begins each devotion with a few of the questions from the catechism, along with their Scripture references, and follows with a brief meditation on those questions. Presa's reflections tie the catechism questions to daily life in contemporary America, helping readers find meaning and relevance for their own lives. Our Only Comfort is a helpful resource for those interested in learning more about their Reformed heritage and how they can apply it to their daily lives.

For 450 years, churches throughout the world have been using the Heidelberg Catechism (1563) to instruct God’s people in foundational Christian doctrine. When Elector Frederick III (1515–1576) commissioned the preparation of a manual for instructing the youth and guiding the pastors and teachers of his domain, he could not have imagined the profound effect it would have on future generations of Christians. The most widely used, most influential Reformation catechism, the “Heidelberger” shines forth the blessed truths of the gospel in 129 questions and answers, beginning with the memorable, ever-enduring subject of our “only comfort in life and in death.” In A Faith Worth Teaching , edited by Jon Payne and Sebastian Heck, an array of faithful pastor-scholars celebrate the Heidelberg Catechism on its 450th anniversary with a collection of essays on its dynamic history, rich theology, and fruit-bearing practice that will be an encouragement to pastors and laypersons alike. Table of Contents: Foreword: the Heidelberg Catechism: the Secret of its Success - Herman J. Selderhuis Part 1: The History and Background of the Heidelberg Catechism 1. The History and People Behind the Heidelberg Catechism - Lyle D. Bierma 2. The Heidelberg Catechism in the United States - D. G. Hart Part 2: The Heidelberg Catechism and the Means of Grace 3. Holding Firmly to the Heidelberger: The Validity and Relevance of Catechism Preaching - Joel R. Beeke 4. Preaching the Catechism Today - Joel R. Beeke 5. “Washed from All My Sins”: The Doctrine of Baptism in the Heidelberg Catechism - Sebastian Heck 6. “As Certainly As I See and Taste”: The Lord’s Supper and the Heidelberg Catechism – Jon D. Payne Part 3: Christian Doctrine and the Heidelberg Catechism 7. Gathered, Protected, and Preserved: The Church in the Heidelberg Catechism - Michael S. Horton 8. Grace and Gratitude: Justification and Sanctification in the Heidelberg Catechism - Cornelis P. Venema 9. The Christology of the Heidelberg catechism - Mark Jones 10. “Prophet, Doctor Jesus”: the Son of God as “Our High Priest and Teacher” in the Heidelberg Catechism - Victor E. d’Assonville 11. The Spirit-Filled Catechism: The Heidelberg Catechism and the Holy Spirit - Daniel R. Hyde Part 4: The Heidelberg Catechism As Catechetical Tool 12. The Heidelberg Catechism Among the Reformed Catechisms - W. Robert Godfrey 13. The Heidelberg Catechism: A Catechetical Tool - Willem Verboom 14. Scholasticism in the Heidelberg Catechism? - Willem van ’t Spijker

* Including an annotation about the history of the Reformed Churches The Heidelberg Catechism is a Protestant confessional document taking the form of a series of questions and answers, for use in teaching Reformed Christian doctrine. It has been translated into many languages and is regarded as one of the most influential of the Reformed catechisms. The Catechism is divided into fifty-two sections, called "Lord's Days," which were designed to be taught on each of the 52 Sundays of the year. The Synod of Heidelberg approved the catechism in 1563. In the Netherlands, the Catechism was approved by the Synods of Wesel (1568), Emden (1571), Dort (1578), the Hague (1586), as well as the great Synod of Dort of 1618-1619, which adopted it as one of the Three Forms of Unity, together with the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort. (courtesy of wikipedia.com)

The Heidelberg Catechism is one of the finest creeds of the reformation period. A faithful teacher of millions, it has stood the test of time and is still, today, one of the best tools available for learning what it means to be a Christian. This study guide to the Catechism includes 129 questions and answers, along with clear exposition and questions for review, further study, and discussion.

This new course helps make the Heidelberg Catechism fresh and relevant for high school students. Field-tested by the authors, Questions Worth Asking offers -- a Scripture-based, question-by-question study of the catechism -- hands-on, experiential learning that keeps students involved -- lessons that consistently and creatively relate to the daily lives of high schoolers The "user-friendly" format for leaders includes -- session backgrounds -- session overviews -- step-by-step directions -- optional strategies -- "in the trenches" teaching tips -- a Catechism Organizer poster -- reproducible handouts for some of the sessions -- weekly questions that students can respond to online -- student resources that differ from unit to unit. Order one packet of resources for each student. Everything that students need for one year's study is in the packets.