Abstract
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is the first introduction to Anglican belief and liturgy for many. More specifically, the Book of Common Prayer of 1662 contains the traditional catechism of the Church of England, enjoining catechumens to receive training and instruction in basic doctrines and Christian living. This takes place in the contexts of the liturgy and the more comprehensive doctrinal statements of the 39 Articles of Religion. Anglican religion traditionally allowed its members to verbalise their faith in both ritual and confession, thus serving the church and not so much life in the world. A revisit of the intentions of the catechism within its historical and prayer book contexts will show that it essentially expresses lasting truths of the Christian faith. In a world increasingly divorced from particular Christian expressions, the Anglican Church needs to rethink its particular use of the catechism for its continued relevance in meeting the questions and challenges Anglicans face daily.
Highlights
Duffy (2005) has indicated: Believers and unbelievers were agreed that whatever the true claims of Christianity, the Reformation was a vital stage along the road to modernity, the cleansing of the English psyche from priestcraft, ignorance and superstition. (p. xiii)The Anglican Prayer Book catechism (PBC) is a product of the English Reformation
This served to shape the expression of Anglican reformational Christianity for generations to come. Continental catechisms, both Protestant and Catholic, were seen as statements to stand on their own and appropriated by the wider and more diverse Christian communities8. They often served to identify with particular church communities; such as those who for instance, hold to a presbyterial form of government, such as the Westminster Confession (Heron 1986:1); whereas the Anglican Catechism is part and parcel of the PB
Most reformed churches accept the Heidelberg Catechism (HC), Belgic Confession of Faith, Synod of Dordt and see these as complementing one another, without a single one exhausting all that is contained in the Word of God
Summary
The Anglican Prayer Book catechism (PBC) is a product of the English Reformation. Birthed in the English Reformation, the Church of England united the continental doctrines of the Reformation into a particular Anglican form, developing its distinctive style of worship.
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