I created this for families to use to help teach their children the essential truths of Scripture. Listen to this as you drive, work around the house, or turn it on for your children at bedtime.
A question I often receive is, "Why should we memorize or use the shorter catechism in discipleship?" First, the Shorter Catechism gives us categories with which to understand Christian doctrine. False teaching abounds in this world. As children grow up and face challenges to their faith in college, few things will prepare them as well as a simple knowledge of the Catechism.
Second, the Catechism focuses on content. We live in an age in which doctrine is frowned upon and experience exalted. This misplaced emphasis has cut the church loose from its moorings in Scripture. The Catechism reminds us that our beliefs should shape our attitudes and actions, and not vice-versa.
Third, the Catechism is radically God-centered. From the very first answer, which says that “man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever,” the Catechism focuses our eyes on God. It consistently teaches that the Christian life is a God-centered life.
Fourth, the Shorter Catechism challenges parents and children to grow together in their understanding of God’s Word. Is it sometimes hard to discuss spiritual things within your family? Few things promote this better than learning the Catechism! Even though children might not fully understand the meaning of everything they memorize, it challenges them to grow in their knowledge and gives parents the opportunity to explain biblical truth to their children.
The answer for why the catechism is taken from William Beveridge's article found here.
