Catechism

Catechism is from the Greek katechein (to teach by word of mouth, to instruct orally), via Latin catechismus[1]. The root sense of teaching, especially of teaching new believers or children, is preserved in the modern term. A catechism in the technical sense is an organized summary of religious teaching presented for instruction, often in question-and-answer format[2].

catechisms are pedagogical tools and not necessarily the only expression of a tradition’s belief.

Christian catechisms have been a major teaching tool from the early church onward. The most famous Catholic catechism is the Roman Catechism (Catechism of the Council of Trent, 16th century) and the modern Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992, with revisions). Eastern Orthodox traditions have various catechetical works; the Catechism of Saint Philaret of Moscow (19th century) is a major example. Protestant catechisms include Luther's Small Catechism and Large Catechism, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Westminster Shorter Catechism and Larger Catechism, and many others. Each tradition's catechism reflects its particular theological emphases.

Catechetical instruction typically prepares people for full participation in the church: catechumens (those preparing for baptism in early Christianity, revived in modern Catholic practice with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) work through the catechism in stages, often over months or years. Children's catechetical instruction prepares them for first Communion, confirmation, and other sacraments. Adult catechumens prepare for entry into the church.

The catechism format works through doctrine systematically. Topics typically include the creed (what is believed), the sacraments (means of grace), commandments (moral teaching), and prayer (especially the Lord's Prayer). The question-and-answer format common in many catechisms supports memorization and oral instruction.

The catechism category is most associated with Christian usage, but analogous teaching texts exist in other traditions. Sikh tradition has the Rehat Maryada (code of conduct). Islamic teaching uses various aqida (creed) summaries. Jewish teaching has various organized summaries of belief and practice. The specific catechetical question-and-answer format is largely Christian.

Catechetical history is a developed field in Christian studies[2]. The development of catechetical traditions from the early church through the Reformation and into modern revival has produced significant scholarship. Comparative work on religious instruction across traditions has also developed.

• Catechism of the Catholic Churchby Catholic Church
  primary source
• The Heidelberg Catechismby Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus
  primary source