An Orthodox Catechism

by Hercules Collins, Michael A.G. Haykin (Editor), G. Stephen Weaver Jr. (Editor)

An Orthodox Catechism is a Baptist revision of the Heidelberg Catechism by the seventeenth-century Calvinistic Baptist, Hercules Collins.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1680

Reviews

[Jedidiah Chatham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to gain knowledge of the trinity, use and origins of the catechism. I especially liked the very end where Hercules brings his own objections to his own arguments, like he knew what the reader was going to counter argue with. I must admit, some objections of my own, he nailed without me realizing until I reread it. These objections to a variety of topics iv had for very long. Hercules makes the answers clear and concise.

[Daniel]

I've read the original, rather than this edition. For all I know this edition is excellent, and I didn't want my star rating to lower the average. If I were to give a rating to the original text it would be 4 stars, and here's why:
* The underlying Heidelberg Catechism is, of course, excellent. It is a wonderful combination of doctrinal clarity and pastoral warmth.
* Collins improved the doctrine (of course I'm biased), by making it explicitly Baptist.
* However, where Collins makes the most significant changes he also forgets that this is supposed to be a catechism. Some of the answers are way too long and not worded well.
* The original was also poorly edited. I'm not sure if this was due to Collins himself, or an editor, or the printer.

[C.J. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 1680 revision of the Heidelberg Catechism. I will probably return to it for the rest of my life as a summary of Baptist theology and thought.

All of it is helpful. But especially—for a succinct explanation of the Baptist position on baptism, over and against the Presbyterians and Congregationalists, look no further than this document. This is the major addition to the catechism. In that, then, there is encouragement that most Protestants share a common theology.

We would do well to retrieve this for use in our churches today. No need to reinvent the wheel on this one (though you can add a bit to it).

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sort of stumbled across this catechism a year or so ago. It was touted as a baptist catechism in response to the Heidelberg; expanding and altering it to better fit a Reformed Baptist theology.

After reading it, I've decided I quite enjoy it. It's simple, well written, and filled to the brim with scripture references and clear explanations of things Christians should be meditating on regularly. I intend to go through it again more slowly, giving myself opportunities to look up many of the references and consider where I agree or disagree with their choices.

But still, it's a helpful catechism for those of us who want to recommend a solid catechism for Baptists.

[Dane Jöhannsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a purist, I take issue with the updated language. Collins adds some helpful sections for baptists, but overall, the original Heidelberg is far superior. If you are a Baptist, simply know your own doctrine well enough to benefit from what is in it that you adhere to and to supplement where you disagree.

[Mark Nenadov · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 17th century Baptist revision of the Heidelberg Catechism by the fabulously named English Baptist minister, Hercules Collins.

[Joshua Bremerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidelberg for Reformed Baptists. Very well done and worth memorizing. That being said, his questions on baptism are quite lengthy and sort of lose the plot of a catechism. I'm still rating at a five, though the questions on baptism could use an editor's sharp eye.

[Eric Honsberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Study, memorize, meditate.

[Maria Tatham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This catechism defines and explains the True and Apostolic Faith. It includes The Nicene Creed and The Athanasian Creed. Praise God for it!

[Kenneth Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so good! I will be recommending this to my friends. I hope this gets in the hands of many

[Simon Wartanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reformed Baptist version of the Heidelberg Catechism.