As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.

What is it?

Catechism is a powerful tool for teaching the essentials of the Christian faith through a simple question-and-answer format. One person asks, another answers, and in the process, biblical truths are committed to memory. More than just reciting answers, catechism encourages deeper understanding, especially when paired with Scripture. Some may see it as outdated or overly rigid, but in reality, it is a time-tested method of learning that has shaped believers for centuries.

Why Do It?

Catechism follows the commands of Scripture.

While the Bible doesn’t explicitly command, ‘Thou shalt catechize thy children,’ it does command us to teach them God’s truth—and catechism is one of the most effective ways to do that. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.’ Similarly, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 commands believers to impress God’s Word on their children in daily life—when sitting, walking, lying down, and rising. This isn’t passive teaching; it’s an intentional, continual process. Catechism provides a structured way to fulfill this command, helping children internalize biblical truth so it stays with them as they grow.

In Psalm 1, we find that there is a blessing for those who meditate on God’s law day and night. Catechism reinforces this habit by not only helping believers learn truth but also giving them the words to reflect on throughout the day. This is why catechism isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s a tool for deep, lifelong spiritual growth.

Catechism establishes a biblical foundation of truth.

Every house needs a solid foundation, and our faith is no different. Without a firm grasp of biblical truth, we risk being swayed by every passing idea. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells the parable of the wise man who built his house on the rock: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (ESV Matthew 7:24) Catechism helps establish this foundation by identifying and reinforcing the core truths of Scripture. Each question and answer is drawn from the Bible, ensuring that what we build our lives on is not opinion, but the unshakable Word of God.

Catechism is everywhere.

It’s not a question of whether we catechize—it’s a question of which catechism we follow. Every culture, movement, and ideology teaches foundational truths through repetition, reinforcing certain beliefs as unquestionable. Schools, media, and entertainment all shape the way children understand the world, often through a form of catechism.

For example, secular ideologies about gender and identity function like a catechism:

1.) How many genders are there? Innumerable.

2.) What is gender identity? Whatever someone believes and expresses themselves to be.

This repetition isn’t random—it instills a worldview. Children will absorb foundational truths from somewhere. How much better that they learn a catechism rooted in the Scripture? How much more will their future Christian walk benefit from having a Scriptural foundation established through catechism?

Catechism is an effective learning tool.

At its core, catechism is built on one of the most effective learning tools: repetition. This isn’t just a religious concept—it’s how we learn everything from math facts to historical dates. Just as children memorize multiplication tables to build a foundation for more complex math, catechism helps believers internalize biblical truth, making it second nature. Flashcards, Jeopardy!, and even modern apps like Quizlet rely on the same principle: ask a question, recall the answer, and reinforce the knowledge. The difference is that catechism isn’t just about storing information—it’s about shaping hearts and minds with eternal truth.

Why not to do it!

It’s just rote memorization.

It’s true that catechism could become just rote memorization, but that’s not its intended purpose. James 1:22 warns, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Catechism isn’t about memorizing for the sake of memorizing—it’s about internalizing biblical truths that lead to transformation. If someone is simply repeating answers without applying them, the issue lies not with the catechism itself, but with how it’s being used. The goal of catechism is not to check off boxes of knowledge but to have these truths shape our actions, thoughts, and hearts in a way that honors God.

I’m not Catholic.

Just because catechism has been historically associated with the Catholic Church doesn’t mean it’s wrong—there are many practices Catholics have gotten right. It’s important to remember that catechism is a tool, not tied to any one denomination. The Westminster Shorter Catechism, for instance, is distinctly Protestant in its content and purpose. Just as the Bible commands us to teach the faith, catechism serves as a biblical method of doing so. It’s not about the label—it’s about the truth being taught.

It takes away from the personal aspect of faith.

Catechism doesn’t take away from the personal aspects of faith—it actually strengthens them. Think of it like a house with a foundation. While the foundation may be similar for every house in a neighborhood, the design and expression of the house are unique to each one. The same is true with catechism—it provides a solid foundation of biblical truths, which unites believers in purpose and doctrine. But just as every house is built differently, each person’s relationship with God will look unique. Catechism helps to root that relationship in Scripture, so the personal expression of faith can be both deep and diverse. It’s not about limiting individuality but ensuring that what we build upon is truth and stability.

Conclusion

If your goal is to build a strong spiritual foundation for yourself and your family, catechism is an invaluable tool. My wife and I have personally experienced its blessings as we’ve revisited the truths from just the first few questions each day. It’s not just a routine; it’s been a source of constant encouragement and spiritual growth. We’ve seen the fruits of this diligence in our son, who is already building his own firm foundation on God’s Word. The catechism we use in our family worship is The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism, which has been beautifully illustrated and modernized to make it accessible for all ages. The included verses for each question and answer make it easy to connect with Scripture. If you’re looking for a resource to help guide your family, I highly recommend it. Start small, but let the truths of Scripture take root deeply in your life—and watch how it transforms your faith.