Beeson Corner: Catechesis
Each semester our Christian Education faculty offer multiple sections of a course titled “Gospel Catechesis.” Being rather foreign to many students, we often begin class with an image inventory: “What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘catechesis’?” Some answers we receive include the following:
- “An underground cemetery” where Christians went in dim-lit tunnels to learn faith while hiding from the Romans
- Whaaaat??? “Cat + Quiche,” I am not sure what it means
- “Getting a grip on what religion is all about”
- Q and A about religion
- Hmmm… sounds Italian, like some kind of cheese
Catechesis comes from the Greek prefix kata – “down or again” – compounded with eichen – “sound.” Hence, catechesis carries the connotation “to sound down” or “to echo.” Early Christians adopted the word to signify instruction given by word of mouth. Recognizing that God speaks the cosmos into existence and Jesus incarnates the Word made flesh, Christians were regarded as “re-sounding” all that God had already done in creation and redemption. Instruction by word of mouth was critical in predominantly oral cultures. Centuries later, the arrival of the printing press, coupled with the Protestant Reformation, crystallized a form of catechetical instruction into a pedagogy (echoed recitation) centered around four essential pillars: the creeds (orthodox belief); the 10 Commandments (beginning a life of holiness); the Lord’s Prayer (practicing prayer and faith); and the Sacraments (old life drowned and new life found).
Multiple accounts
in the gospels and the book of Acts reflect a pattern of kerygmatic proclamation that brought about repentance and the inquiry, “What must I do to be saved?” The early church realized people were coming to faith with little knowledge and were embedded in cultural influences and ideologies that could quickly compromise their profession. To arrive at full conversion, prolonged instruction was required, including a scrutinizing of motives and an apprenticeship whereby a habitus was created that could usher inquirers into a new way of life. With a great deal of patience and intentionality, Christian identity was formed in the full awareness that the depth to which catechesis was practiced determined: the viability of the Christian community; the integrity of the Christian witness and mission; the profundity of worship; and what a disciple would live for, and if it came to it, what they would die for.
We find ourselves living under similar realities today, and catechesis has resurfaced as Christian churches seek to reclaim ancient paths of disciple-making and a habitus that can transform. Many who show interest in the gospel have little prior knowledge of faith and are entrenched in cultural influences that undermine spiritual formation and becoming mature in faith. Hence, students in Gospel Catechesis explore ways to ground and grow God’s people in the gospel through multiple avenues including: catechetical preaching, teaching the whole story of God, liturgical renewal, elevating ecclesiology, renewing the teaching ministry of the church, enlivening the creeds, discovering the depth of sacraments, redeveloping confirmation curriculum, the influence of intergenerational worship, and the debunking of cultural liturgies.
Great article…what are some specific websites, etc. where we can access catechesis examples to point families and adults to?
Our small group is finishing up 30 days to understanding the Bible by Max Anders. What are some other resources you would suggest?
Any of these Seedbed resources would be great, Cindy! Also, since you are a graduate, you can use the ThriveU resources here to teach your class. Let us know at alumni@asburyseminary.edu if you need any assistance with these resources! We can help if you need to retrieve your username or password.