The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Catechizing

This is a question for those of you with children and who also catechized them.

1. Which catechism(s) did you use.
2. At what ages (child's not yours ) did you start and
end the catechizing.
3. Any suggestions and advice about how to catechize?

Thanks,
John

1. Westminster Shorter Catechism (NOT the Heidelberg as it is written for believers).

2. Whenever they were able to comprehend, at least in part, the teaching. (that depends upon you too )

3. Take it slow as determined by the child(ren)'s ability to follow the lessons. Memorization is something which should be a definite part of the instruction.

There are some catechisms written for children but I prefer to use the "standard" catechisms and simple teach them in a manner which are digestible for those being taught. If you are credo, if I'm not mistaken, I think Spurgeon wrote a catechism for children which might be appealing to some.

1. Westminster Shorter Catechism

2. When my kids were very young, I would ask them questions like this: "Who made you?", "Where is God?" and other questions with one-word answers. I began these questions at about 2 years old, and I didn't put any pressure on them. I began the Wesminster Shorter Catechism with them when they were between 4-7 years old, depending on the kid. I ask shortened versions of the questions for the youngest kid, but I'm impressed that he learns the longer answers anyway.

For instance, I ask, "What is God?" and the answer I expect from the 4 year old is "God is a spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable." The actual answer continues with "in being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth." My older kids learned the full answer, but my 4 year old still hasn't completely figured it out. Use your best judgment. Whatever you do, though, don't put too much pressure on them. Your kids will enjoy learning the catechism questions when they are young. My kids love it when I drill them, and they get upset when I don't ask them every question they know. Kids love to learn.

Take care,
John