We must do nothing to change our procedure lest what the prophet says becomes true of us, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” It is true that catechism preaching is a practice which belongs perhaps exclusively to our tradition as churches. It was begun in the early years of the Reformation—1566, to be […]
In the light of the current ecumenical popularity of the Heidelberg Catechism, it is instructive to observe that when it was first published Roman Catholics as well as Lutherans vigorously attacked it. That opposition continued for a long time. Roman Catholic opposition to anything Protestant was understandable in the age of the Reformation as well as […]
It was not long before differences of opinion again disturbed the ecclesiastical peace. Debate continued on the precise meaning of the Lord’s Supper. Also, especially in the Palatinate, the teachings of Arius were spreading rapidly. The feeling on this issue became so intense that in 1572 one of the most vocal Arians, Sylvanus by name,was beheaded […]
As one might expect under the circumstances of those times, the catechism was both warmly received and vigorously assailed. Among Protestants inclined to the theology of John Calvin, the catechism was immediately received with joy. Already in 1563 it was translated into three different languages. It appeared in Latin, the translation of the third edition, for use in […]
Is it still possible to be truly enthusiastic about preaching the Word according to the summary of its doctrine as found in the Heidelberg Catechism? In this 400th anniversary year of the publication of this Creed this question must be faced, and Dr. Alexander C. De Jong does so in a second of a series […]
THE HEIDELBERG CATECHISM: A STUDY GUIDE by Rev. G. L Williamson, 241 pages includes Scripture Index; P & R Publishing, PO Box 817, Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865. Reviewed by Rev. Paul T Murphy. Rev. G.I. Williamson is perhaps best known for writing the Study Guides for the Westminster Shorter Catechism (Vols. 1 & 2) and the […]
On a Tuesday at 4 PM I came to the home of Larry. Pattie, Lare John and Bailey. They were expecting me. They had been attending our church for some time. Pattie’s oldest brother and his family, her youngest brother and his family and her father had all made profession of faith in our church. Now […]
The city of Heidelberg is one of the most beautiful and charming in the world. Built in the Neckar River valley the city looks across the river to rising hills covered with green. Today the city itself has a very well-preserved Renaissance center dominated by the Holy Ghost Church where Caspar Olevianus preached. The University of […]
In his recent commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, Rev. Andrew Kuyvenhoven calls the Catechism “the best confessional and teachable summary of the will of God for the life of the church,” That’s quite a compliment for a document over four centuries old. What a beacon the Heidelberg Catechism remains in our anti-theological age, with its […]
Question: What do you believe concerning the “holy catholic church” of Christ? Answer: That the Son of God from the heginning to the end of the world, gathers, defends, and preserves to Himself hy His Spirit and Word, out of the whole human race, a Church chosen to everlasting life, agreeing in true faith; and […]