The Westminster Shorter Catechism

by Westminster Assembly

Questions and answers based on The Westminster Confession of Faith.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Devotional, Audiobook, Classics

29 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1648

About the author

The Westminster Assembly of Divines was a synod composed of theologians (or "divines") and members of Parliament appointed to restructure the Church of England. It was called during the lead up to the First English Civil War by the Long Parliament, which was influenced by Puritanism and opposed to the religious policies of Charles I and William Laud. As part of a military alliance with Scotland, Parliament agreed that the outcome of the Assembly would bring the English Church into closer conformity with the Church of Scotland, which was presbyterian. Scottish commissioners attended and advised the Assembly as part of the agreement. The Assembly met for ten years (1643–53), and in the process produced a new Form of Government, a Confession of Faith, two catechisms (Shorter and Larger), and a liturgical manual for the Churches of England and Scotland.

Disagreements over church government caused open division in the Assembly, despite attempts to maintain unity. The party of divines who favored presbyterianism, or government by hierarchies of elected assemblies, was in the majority. However, political and military realities led to greater influence for the congregational party, which favored autonomy for individual congregations. Parliament eventually adopted a presbyterian form of government, but not to the degree the presbyterian divines desired. During the Restoration in 1660, all of the documents of the Assembly were repudiated and episcopal church government was reinstated in England. However, because of their acceptance by dissenting churches and the Church of Scotland, these documents became influential worldwide through missionary expansion.

The Assembly worked in the Reformed theological tradition. It took the Bible as the authoritative word of God, from which all theological reflection must be based. Though the divines were committed to the doctrine of predestination to salvation, there was some disagreement over the doctrine of particular redemption—that Christ died only for those whom the Father chose to save. The Assembly also held to Reformed covenant theology, a framework for interpreting the Bible. The Assembly's Confession was the first of the Reformed confessions to include the covenant of works, in which God promised life to Adam on condition of perfect obedience.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Question: What is the chief end of man?

Answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.

[Jordan Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recognize not everyone who reads this is going to agree with some of the nuances of the theology here contained, yet this is truly a must read for Christians. It’s short (obviously, Jordan, since there is a Longer Catechism), only 107 questions, and easily read in one sitting in about an hour. It is structured beautifully covering Covenant Theology, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man (moral law in primarily in its third use, Lord’s Prayer, and means of grace). Ultimately, it’s a pocket sized systematic theology that is helpful for mooring our faith to scripture and giving context and terminology. Read it all the way through without stopping and with the proof texts alongside.

[Dkovlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is in excellent short book on the Shorter Catechism. The Shorter Catechism was written in the 1600s.

This book discusses the background and history of the Shorter Catechism. It also includes a reading of 107 questions and answers relating to spiritual issues.

This is in excellent learning tool for the practicing Christian. (The Shorter Catechism can be compared to the Larger Catechism which has 196 questions and answers.)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple explanation of common questions about the Bible, especially words such as justification and sanctification. This also reviewed the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer. Must read for everyone!! I would like to review and memorize this with my girls!

[Maya Joelle]

I like Luther's explanations of the creed and the commandments better, but this wasn't bad. In addition to my predictable quibbles (because when you put a Lutheran girl amidst Calvinist theology, there will be quibbles), I was a little confused about the distinctions made between justification vs. adoption & faith in Christ vs. repentance unto life. I did appreciate all the Biblical references, though; even when I disagreed I could see that there was an attempt to back up statements with the Bible, which is always good.

[Nderitu Pius · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is a book that should accompany the BIBLE it should be this. For in the holy things we assume we know GOD brought men about 1300 times to prepare this book and other holy things of GOD. HALLELUJAH!!! I have found questions to what I never thought I would.
HALLELUJAH!!!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I'd learnt this as a kid, but not too late to start now! Although catechism is unfashionable today, I'm becoming convinced it's a good and helpful practice. And the Westminster shorter catechism is rightly lauded for its precision, simplicity and doctrinal exactness.

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This catechism explains with Scripture why (most) Christians believe what we believe.

[Miles Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful as a historic text even for those who don’t consider it canonical. Probably one of the best documents for explaining the Calvinist conception of churchmanship.

[Chakib Miraoui · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light foundational text of Anglican doctrine as framed in London.

[Douglas C. Butterworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good reminder, primer

This is a good starting place for a new believer, or a not so new believer in Jesus Christ, on what the basics of the Christian beliefs are. Surgeon's Catechism is more modern, has pretty much the same contents, with one major difference: infant baptism and how baptism is performed. Surgeon indicates infants are not baptized, whilst Westminster says they are. While an interesting difference, it should not cause either of these catechism to be discarded. Both are full of similar to same information, what they agree on are the most important issues. For those wishing an infant baptism explanation, it has to do with the idea of a infant being protected from hellfire should it die before it grows enough to accept Jesus. Both sides of this would assent to God being gracious to infants who are not yet old enough to understand biblical teaching. Surgeon just wanted folks to know that being baptized as an infant did not invalidate a person from needing to personally accept God's word and become a Christian when they were old enough to understand. Historically, Westminster is two hundred years older and closer to the Reformation, when being split of from Catholicism was a fresher concept.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Westminster Confession is a beautiful and extensive expression of biblical truth. It's a historic Reformed confession, written by English Presbyterians and still used by many Presbyterian churches. The catechisms are helpful supplements. I wish I had read and studied these earlier in life, and I intend to reread and study them several times over the rest of my life.

I read The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition ebook which includes the Confession as well as The Larger and Shorter Catechisms, The Directory of Public Worship, The Form of Presbyterian Church Government, and The Directory of Family Worship.

Notes
31. "Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit … renewing our wills,[87] … freely offered to us in the gospel.[89]"
[87] Deuteronomy 30:6; Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 3:5; Titus 3:5 [89] Isaiah 45:22; Matthew 11:28-30; Revelation 22:17

51. "The second commandment forbiddeth the worshiping of God by images,[128] or any other way not appointed in his Word.[129]"
[128] Deuteronomy 4:15-19; Romans 1:22- 23 [129] Leviticus 10:1-2; Jeremiah 19:4-5; Colossians 2:18-23

[Wesley and Fernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that I've read through the Shorter Catechism straight through. Though I am a Reformed Baptist and not a Presbyterian, there is much to admire about the Westminster Confession. The men who crafted these questions and answers based on Biblical truth were so precise in their language and faithful to what Scripture has laid out. Though I would have some exceptions with some of the answers given (specifically in the area of baptism), I highly respect the Confession and will most certainly teach my children the questions and answers laid out here.

[Daniel Clemence · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating little booklet based upon the original Westminster Catechism. If you want the origins of evangelical thought, this booklet gives you the outlines of it. I think one of the significant issues with any Catechism like this is it is assumption based upon the univocality of the Bible and its inerrancy. This is one of those documents that quote-mines the Bible for justifications, taking out of context much of the Bible. That said, the people who wrote it did not have nearly the same insight into the Bible as we do. Therefore, it is useful insight into Protestant dogmas.

[Luke Vanderwerff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, concise, edifying. Any Christian should be able to use this: despite having been written by a tradition I currently am not a member of, the very few answers I disagreed with were concerning secondary or tertiary issues.

The first question is one everyone has asked, and I find the articulation of the Biblical answer presented here quite helpful. Those questions concerning the Lord's Prayer (Q100-Q107) were also a particularly joyful read.

This is one of those books which I find actually useful in my studies and writings, and is so short one can languidly read it in an evening.

[Nancy Kin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content is great. It is a wonderful short explanation to many questions people have about God, our relationship with him, the church, the sacraments and many other items. It will encourage people to seek out more thorough explanations in some instances.
My disappointment is with the delivery. I cannot download it to my Kindle and remove it from the device's "new items" section without having it removed from my "book" library.

[robinallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful read

I gave this book a full rating. It was very good as it answered my questions about some of the first principles of the Bible. I recommend it to anyone new to Christianity and the Bible.

[Bracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent little source to help you grow in the Christian faith. It's basic Q&A is designed to show you the fundamental truths and how they should operate within your life. I try to read this at least once or twice a month.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise introduction to some of the “key doctrines of the Christian faith.” I appreciate the way each numbered Q & A of the catechism has related scripture proofs printed just under it, making it easier to follow-up by reading and study in your own Bible.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Counting for "A book about theology" in Challies 2017 Reading Challenge.]

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very excited for when my children are old enough to learn these.

[David Barnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as warm and pastoral as the Heidelberg Catechism.

[Carl Palmateer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true classic, but being read by a Scot gives it an extra kick.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read it many times, as you would expect, but just re-read it again and it never gets old.

[Simon Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enermous respect for the amount of work that went into distilling the principles of scripture into a format that is concise and easily learnt. Catechisms are such a gift

[Jessica Whitmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible questions and answers for common terms and concepts of systematic theology. Would love to memorize these with my daughter one day!

[Theodore P Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic and Contemporary

Essential Gor every child of God. Make sure to read.all of the scripture references to insure they enter your heart.

[Jonny Swales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect summary of the faith (except for infant baptism, lol).

[Jordan Litts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful resource.

[Guilherme Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been nestled in the penultimate page of my Bible for months now. Beautiful.