Westminster Shorter Catechism: For Study Classes

by G.I. Williamson

A clear, helpful exposition of each question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Each lesson includes questions for review or discussion.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Reference, School, Spirituality

Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1970

About the author

G. I. Williamson was a Christian minister for fifty years.

Reviews

[Alexis Neal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really more of a two-and-a-half star book. Ostensibly, the purpose of this book is to present and explain the beliefs contained in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. However, Williamson choose a much more partisan path, and uses the book to present his own particular variety of Presbyterianism and his own interpretation of the Catechism, not the text of the Catechism itself. So, for example, according to Williamson, it is not wrong to drink alcohol (believer's freedom), but it is wrong to sing any uninspired songs (i.e., songs that are not psalms) as part of Christian worship (regulative principle), even though the Westminster Catechism does not actually take a position on either issue. He also tends to focus on his particular pet issues--such as the need for Christian schools as opposed to secular public education--which, regardless of whether the reader agrees with him, are not necessary in a discussion of the Westminster Catechism.

Williamson is also prone to hyperbole--to such an extent that it damages his credibility with the reader. So, according to Williamson, no doctrine is more clearly taught in the bible than election (I grant that it is clearly taught, but there are many doctrines more clearly taught), and he repeatedly uses words like "obviously" or "clearly" and is generally overly dismissive of opposing viewpoints. As a result, he renders his own opinions more suspect in the mind of a careful reader. (In his defense of infant baptism against those who advocate believer's baptism, he borders on snide.)

He also devotes a lot of attention (and an entire Appendix) to the model of prophet-priest-king, not only as illustrated in Christ, but as illustrated in pre-fallen man, corrupted in fallen man, and rectified in salvation. This may be a central teaching of Presbyterianism; I don't know. It was the first time I'd seen such a thing, and it was not immediately apparent to me from the text of the Catechism.

The book does include helpful discussions of many challenging biblical principles. The illustrations, though simplistic, are useful and largely well done. Williamson seems to be at his best when explaining the gospel and more abstract theology concepts--the Trinity, the dual nature of Christ, the representative principle (in Adam all sin), etc. When he got into the weeds of practical application, he tended to come across as rigid and puritanical, often without sufficient textual support for his views.

Still it would make a good family devotional, if you read with a critical and discerning eye so you can distinguish between what the bible necessarily teaches and what is just Williamson's (or the Westminster Catechism's) interpretation.

[Eric Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a standard for a reason. You should read it and bring along someone for the ride

[Dakota Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carefully guides through the most difficult questions of Scripture with excellent illustrations and academic analysis.

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any parent trying to teach their child about Christianity.

[Márcio Sobrinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente material para estudar e ensinar as verdades básicas da fé apresentadas no Breve Catecismo. A sair pela Editora Os Puritanos/Clire.

[Zach de Walsingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this for household devotions. I think this was good for that purpose, and for younger children.

[Caleb Nakhla · Rating 3 out of 5]

shoutout to mr knott

[Tanya Shearin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and well-thought out. A good resource for anyone who wishes to think through their faith whether you believe all that is written herein or not.

[Jenny Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, we tried. This is just a drive-by review. It was part of my 15yo's at home curriculum this year. Went through it as a group, not expecting much from the 9yo except to sit and listen, but hoping it would help the 12yo, 15yo, and I to discuss what our family truly believes.

Unfortunately, the language didn't seem classic to me, but male-centric, assuming, and quaint...the human example's name was "Shorty"...while diving into deep, difficult theology. The theology is important...what does our family believe and heritage teach...about the depravity of humanity and God's response and action towards his creation.

But it isn't the tool for us. I've been pulling it out a couple times a month this school year and we got through about question 20, but we need to let it go and move on. I hope to find other materials that can serve as a jumping off point for further discussions.

[Zachary Skrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased G. I. Williamson's book to help me teach the WSC to my 7yo son. My wife has taken him through Marty Machowski's "The-Ology" multiple times, so I was thinking this would be the next step in his theological training.

This book is fantastic. He works through each question (or occasionally a couple related questions) step by step. The ease at which he explains these theological truths is a testament for how many times he's actually taught it in a class to real students.

I found that the theological explanations are a little more advanced than what my son can handle, at least to complete all of the teaching at once, but it's a great gateway for me as the parent to have a solid plane for how to teach it to a child.

To be honest, there was one chapter that taught the Confessional vs. the Barthian understanding of Scripture so clearly that it helped me understand what had still been hazy after years of undergrad and grad school education.

I happily endorse this book. It's fantastic. Buy this along with Vincent's work on the WSC and you'll have everything you need.

[David Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

So it is a study guide, designed for use in a classroom or group setting. It's difficult for me to get excited about such a book. However, in terms of providing a solid background into reformed theology, this works even in self-study. The Westminster catechism has been around for centuries (written in 1646) and, if you're bent that way, this guide helps the neophyte stickhandle through some of the troublesome theological points.

[Tiffany Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview, I think he takes some liberties with his preferences (like with music) but overall it was a solid read with very thought provoking questions. I work through this over the course of the school year with my teenagers and it was a very approachable and we had hours of good discussion from the reading. Even if you don’t agree with his every point reading it’s worth reading and considering

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

My high school age son and I read this together and found it to be a very valuable resource. The content is reformed and Calvinist. It is also Presbyterian. We had some small areas of disagreement with the catechism because of the latter which made for good discussion with my son, especially the importance of recognizing what are first vs. secondary etc. issues and recognizing the household of faith may be unified on primary issues and differ on secondary issues. We also didn’t always agree with the accompanying commentary/teaching, but it made for good discussion.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible book on the Westminster shorter catechism.

Each chapter is very short (3-4 pages) so it can be easily broken up.

You may not agree with everything that the author says, as a few points are questionable / divisive. But overall, he does make very good points throughout the reigned faith, and why it is worth standing up / staking your faith on.

[Douglas Domer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was used in a small group setting. We covered every chapter and answered the questions at the end. At meeting time we discussed answers. This alway led to helpful discussion. If you have never studied the Westminster Shorter Catechism, this would be a great place to start.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent tool for teaching/learning the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I've used it more than once and will continue to do so. Thank you, GIW, for such a helpful volume.

[Joe Staniforth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying the book so far. Would be great if it provided the answers for Review Questions, especially for educators.

[Lizzie J · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't think it was a very good representation of the catechism.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for a study group.

[Coram Deo Church]

The Westminster Shorter Catechism is not currently available at local libraries.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Clear. Helpful.

[Shuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suspect it was written for a 12-year old. Not saying I have better understanding than a youth. But just bear that in mind when you see those pictural illustrations.

[brithebusybee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry, but useful.

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent. Hard to compare while reading Calvin, maybe. Some helpful illustrations, but often simplistic, overly rigid or the pat Calvinistic answer. Still can bring the average Christian a long way in the right direction to a fuller understanding of the Biblical worldview.

[Isaiah the Ox · Rating 2 out of 5]

Looked in-depth into the Westminster Catechism, which has some Calvinistic views. Although I am not a Calvinist, it didn't mean some of Williamson's descriptions weren't thought-provoking or interesting.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great starting point for discussions of biblical theology (according to Reformed doctrine).

[Rachaad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent exposition of reformed theology, great for small group Bible studies.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used this as a study with my children, while studying the shorter catechism. Really enjoyed the book!

[Jonah Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best modern commentaries on the Shorter Catechism.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great primer for the main topics of Christianity.
While we don't agree with every doctrinal statement in the book, it is a great overview and sparked a few meaningful conversations with our kids.