A Firm Foundation: An Aid to Interpreting the Heidelberg Catechism

by Caspar Olevian

English (translation)Original German

Genres: Theology

132 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1995

About the author

Caspar Olevianus

Reviews

[Jason Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have used this mostly as I have taught through the Apostles Creed in Sunday School. I have to say that it is solid and regularly very surprising.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caspar Olevian has made his way to my favourite Reformation era theologian. I will re-read this annually.

[Rhesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read a line from George Tyrell which goes like this "One has to pass atheism to faith, the old God must be quite pulverised and forgotten before the new one can reveal Himself to us". Instantly I recall a phrase coined by C.S Lewis "Chronological Snobbery" which is a mental attitude of presuming that everything's new must be better than the olds.

Post enlightenment civilization raises many objection to the cause of Christianity, not only of it's historicity but also its theology. Therefore I pick up this book authored by Caspar Olevianus, a great reformed theologian, pastor & scholar of 16th century.

This book is formatted in a classic question answer lay out, it discuss important elements of Chrisian theology, starting from "God the Father and Creation" to the "Benefits we have from Christ" [no, it does not mean prosperity & health and wealth flashy "gospel":].

Obviously multicultural approach isn't employed here, it is strictly dogmatic, yet in multicultural dialogue, a dogmatic position must be thoroughly understood before it is assesed & discussed. Hence this book is a great start to grasp the logic of traditonal Christian creed as well as for personal spiritual enrichment.

[Kevin Sheth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because Caspar Olevianus had some, if not a central role, in producing the Heidelberg Catechism, this catechetical introduction to the Christian faith has a significant overlap to the Catechism in language and the system of ideas presented. Olevianus, like Calvin, Witsius, and others, used the Apostle's Creed as a suitable foundation from which to draw the system theology which proclaims Christ as the whole of our justification and the triune God as the one who is to be worshiped exclusively above all else. From this perspective, we can understand the contextual ideas of the Heidelberg Catechism with useful digressions on topics like justification, sanctification, the benefits of Christ, among other things. Thus, this short book is a useful guide to the Heidelberg Catechism and the Apostle's Creed.