NationStates Jolt Archive

I've been hearing a lot of people talking about Catechism lately. I was wondering if anyone could explain what it actually is.

I've been hearing a lot of people talking about Catechism lately. I was wondering if anyone could explain what it actually is.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catechism

A catechism (κατηχητικός in Greek) is a summary or exposition of doctrine, traditionally used in Christian religious teaching from New Testament times to the present.[1] Catechisms are doctrinal manuals often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorized, a format that has sometimes been used in non-religious or secular contexts as well.[2] A popular name for secular catechisms is FAQ, that is Frequently Asked Questions.

And how is it different to other sects of Chritianity? If I wanted somehing copied and pasted from Wikipedia, I'd go there myself. I'd like someone who knows the religion intimately to explain it to me in their own words. Thanks for helping, though.

And how is it different to other sects of Chritianity? If I wanted somehing copied and pasted from Wikipedia, I'd go there myself. I'd like someone who knows the religion intimately to explain it to me in their own words. Thanks for helping, though.

Then maybe try a religious forum :rolleyes:

And how is it different to other sects of Chritianity? If I wanted somehing copied and pasted from Wikipedia, I'd go there myself. I'd like someone who knows the religion intimately to explain it to me in their own words. Thanks for helping, though.

I only copied and pasted because I had no idea what you were talking about. My apologies.

And how is it different to other sects of Chritianity? If I wanted somehing copied and pasted from Wikipedia, I'd go there myself. I'd like someone who knows the religion intimately to explain it to me in their own words. Thanks for helping, though.
It's not a sect at all.
It's usually a form of instruction that utilises a 'question - answer' format,often (although not necessarily) for the purposes of teaching religious doctrine.

And how is it different to other sects of Chritianity? If I wanted somehing copied and pasted from Wikipedia, I'd go there myself. I'd like someone who knows the religion intimately to explain it to me in their own words. Thanks for helping, though.In most of Europe, the reason 'Catechism' has become a widely used term or allegory, is because a Catechism was used in public education of both Protestants & catholics up until the 40's-50's. Pupils, who are typically parents & grandparents for today's online population, had to learn to regurgitate the contents of these tiny books on demand, or face a good hiding.

I have no idea whether other Christian or religious cults did the same, but Maoists did something fairly similar. In any case, the overgrown pixie-books of Christian venom, is why you hear the word today - at least in most of Europe.

Kinda makes you appreciate we moved away from Madrassa, don't it? If only the rest of the world would do the same...

In the Catholic religion, the catechism just outlines the doctrine of the religion. Reading it is a good way to understand the religion. I know Lutherans have one too but I've never met any Lutherans who have read it.

In the Catholic religion, the catechism just outlines the doctrine of the religion. Reading it is a good way to understand the religion. I know Lutherans have one too but I've never met any Lutherans who have read it.

I've read it. Just like everyone else in Finland.

10 commandments
3 confessions (word? I believe in God...in Jesus...in the Holy spirit...)
pater noster
sacraments
blessing (? The Lord bless thee and...)

Like everyone has said, it's a set of questions and answers usually expounding upon a creed or confession, which summarize the teaching of the Bible (in Chrisitanity, of course!).

The catechisms I'm familiar with are:
Westminster Shorter Catechism (for kids)
Westminster Larger Catechism (for adults)
Heidelberg Catechism