The Westminster Shorter Catechism In Modern English

A modern English version of the Shorter Catechism designed for the instruction of young people and their parents.

This useful digital edition of the famous Westminster Shorter Catechism is hyperlinked to the the supporting Scripture verses for easy reference.

This work replaces the former The Shorter Catechism: For Study Classes, vols. 1 &2.

Generations of Christians have found the Westminster Shorter Catechism to be a wonderful treasury of spiritual gold. It outlines the core Christian beliefs and the essential characteristics of Christian living in a way that enlightens the mind and inspires the heart. Its most famous statement, that our ‘chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him for ever’ is widely recognized as a piece of timeless wisdom. Sadly, though, the wisdom of the Westminster Shorter Catechism is increasingly hard for many people today to appreciate. With the passage of time, its beautiful 17th Century English has become further and further removed from the language we use every day. This brief book aims not only to address this problem by putting the Catechism into modern English, but likewise to highlight the carefully arranged structure of the catechism—a structure that in itself contains a great deal of wisdom. To achieve this, the catechism is divided into sections, and a few notes to help explain it are given. May God use it to help a new generation glorify and enjoy Him!

* Including a detailed annotation about the English reformation The Westminster Shorter Catechism (also known simply as the Shorter Catechism, hereinafter referred to as the WSC) was written in the 1640s by English and Scottish divines. The assembly also produced the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Larger Catechism. The three documents are considered by many Protestants to be the grandest doctrinal statements to come out of the English Reformation. Completed in 1647, it was presented to the Long Parliament on 14 April 1648. The purpose of the Shorter Catechism is to educate lay persons in matters of doctrine and belief. The WSC is in a simple question and answer format to facilitate memorization. Typically, parents and the church would use the shorter catechism to train their children in the ways of the Lord. New converts are also given the WSC as well as the Confession of Faith and Holy Scripture to study. Various denominations have used the Westminster Confession and Catechism to instruct their members. (courtesy of wikipedia.com)

This is the eighth workbook in the Westminster Shorter Catechism for Kids series. Lessons cover questions 98-107 of the catechism. Children learn the meaning of prayer and the direction given to us by Christ in the Lord's Prayer.

Of the three documents that comprise the Westminster Standards, the Larger Catechism has been the most neglected, even by conservative Presbyterians who profess to embrace these Standards. J. G. Vos wrote a series of studies of the Larger Catechism that first appeared in Blue Banner Faith and Life (1946-49) and has never circulated widely. G. I. Williamson has edited Vos's commentary, and P&R is publishing it in book form for the first time. Because the Larger Catechism supplements the Shorter Catechism on such topics as the church and the means of grace, Presbyterians dare not ignore it. This edition of J. G. Vos's commentary will encourage a recommitment to the Larger Catechism.

Supplies two needs: (1) profitable, useable material for family devotions and (2) a practical guide for parents helping their children learn the catechism.