Abstract
A congregation can easily get lost in the labyrinth of catechism syllabi available for an educational ministry today. Calvin’s wish was that the church would have one catechism common to all churches. However, he consented to different churches developing different catechisms. He also warned about the power of catechesis, as it has the potential to influence the church for decades to come, and as the body of Christ can be strengthened or wounded through catechesis. Can Calvin provide a golden thread to navigate the labyrinth of catechisms available in the church today? Different models of catechesis are discussed briefly. The similarities and differences with Calvin’s approach to catechism are highlighted, and the article concludes with guidelines for contemporary catechesis.
Highlights
Introduction and methodologyThe aim of this article is to analyse some of John Calvin’s basic assumptions for catechesis against the backdrop of current theoretical and practical problems with catechesis in churches all over the world. 1 it operates from a practical theological epistemology
Can a golden thread be provided for churches today, helping them navigate the labyrinth of material available for catechesis?
8 Calvin agrees that we cannot prevent different churches from writing their own teaching material “provided, that the variety in the mode of teaching is such that we are all directed to one Christ, in whose truth, being united together, Can Calvin provide a golden thread in the labyrinth of catechism ... in the church today current tendency of ministers writing their own material for catechesis should not be supported or encouraged
Summary
The aim of this article is to analyse some of John Calvin’s basic assumptions for catechesis against the backdrop of current theoretical and practical problems with catechesis in churches all over the world. 1 it operates from a practical theological epistemology. For the purpose of this article, the term catechesis will serve as a synonym and substitute for other concepts like Sunday School, covenant teaching and educational ministry and will be used to refer to the official work of the church in the formation of faith of children and the youth. Both Calvin’s first and second catechisms will be explored in the present research, even though the second catechism substituted the first in a way. Both introductions complement each other in helping us to understand Calvin’s basic assumptions about catechesis
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