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Nowell's Middle Catechism: An Anglican Catechism
Alexander Nowell's Middle Catechism of 1572 was the culmination of his shorter catechism and larger catechism. It is a rich gem from the Elizabethan era, bridging faith and education for young believers. It’s a dynamic blend of doctrine, scripture, and plain instruction, designed to guide young minds through the essentials of Christian belief with clarity and conviction. For the first time in over two hundred years, an edition of the Middle Catechism is published with Scriptural references and the long-forgotten Selection of Prayers for Students and Scholars.The catechism covers the foundations of Christian doctrine in a Q&A format, making it both easy to follow and engaging for learners. It teaches the Apostles' Creed, Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, and sacraments while also diving into the moral and spiritual duties of a Christian life. Nowell’s warm, pastoral tone combined with his logical structure offers both wisdom and accessibility—a winning combination that has kept this catechism relevant for centuries.
If you're interested in exploring the English Reformation's impact on faith education or are looking for a historical guide that remains practical even today, Middle Catechism is a must-have addition to your library. It’s a timeless resource that makes complex theology approachable for all ages, leaving readers with a deeper, well-rounded faith foundation.
If you're interested in exploring the English Reformation's impact on faith education or are looking for a historical guide that remains practical even today, Middle Catechism is a must-have addition to your library. It’s a timeless resource that makes complex theology approachable for all ages, leaving readers with a deeper, well-rounded faith foundation.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 27, 2024
This is a real gem of a catechism. Several priests had recommended it to me before this edition was published, so I jumped on the opportunity to purchase it once it became available.
There are several introductory chapters that provide a bit of context for the catechism. Additionally, there are morning and evening-themed prayers at the end that feel tacked on. It's as if the editor forgot the reader is likely a Book-of-Common-Prayer user.
The actual catechism is excellent. The language can be a bit archaic in places, so I wouldn't recommend it for all ages without explanation. For mature readers, however, the vocabulary requires the reader to slow down and linger on what is being said. This forces one to ponder each teaching. Every question and answer is supported by a slew of scriptural references. The content is divided into the usual catechetical categories: the 10 Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments.
The 10 Commandments are simply framed as a mirror of ourselves (to reveal our sin) and a window to God (demonstrating His character and Jesus' earthly life as He fulfilled the law). It is taught in two arenas: one outlining our posture towards God and the second towards our neighbor.
The Apostles' Creed covers the Trinity and the Church. Jesus' work is only described in His justifying actions since His daily life was already covered in the 10 Commandments.
The Lord's Prayer is divided into two parts (God's glory and man's good) and presented as a model for all prayer.
The two Sacraments necessary for salvation (Baptism and Holy Communion) are described in their two manners (the outward and visible natural sign and the inner spiritual effect). The regular objections are faced head-on (why are infants baptized, what about transubstantiation, etc).
The way each section is broken down makes it simple to memorize the central thrust of each (as outlined above). The traditional question and answer format takes on a more casual back-and-forth between the master and the scholar. Some of the master's questions are as short as, "go on." The scholar's responses are where the real meat is contained.
The total number of pages in the book are deceptive. This is a much shorter work due to the size of the margins. There are a couple of minor typos, but nothing that obscures the intended meaning. The few shortcomings are easily overcome by the quality of the content. I heartily recommend this to anyone looking for a solid presentation of essential traditional protestant theology, Anglican or otherwise.
There are several introductory chapters that provide a bit of context for the catechism. Additionally, there are morning and evening-themed prayers at the end that feel tacked on. It's as if the editor forgot the reader is likely a Book-of-Common-Prayer user.
The actual catechism is excellent. The language can be a bit archaic in places, so I wouldn't recommend it for all ages without explanation. For mature readers, however, the vocabulary requires the reader to slow down and linger on what is being said. This forces one to ponder each teaching. Every question and answer is supported by a slew of scriptural references. The content is divided into the usual catechetical categories: the 10 Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Sacraments.
The 10 Commandments are simply framed as a mirror of ourselves (to reveal our sin) and a window to God (demonstrating His character and Jesus' earthly life as He fulfilled the law). It is taught in two arenas: one outlining our posture towards God and the second towards our neighbor.
The Apostles' Creed covers the Trinity and the Church. Jesus' work is only described in His justifying actions since His daily life was already covered in the 10 Commandments.
The Lord's Prayer is divided into two parts (God's glory and man's good) and presented as a model for all prayer.
The two Sacraments necessary for salvation (Baptism and Holy Communion) are described in their two manners (the outward and visible natural sign and the inner spiritual effect). The regular objections are faced head-on (why are infants baptized, what about transubstantiation, etc).
The way each section is broken down makes it simple to memorize the central thrust of each (as outlined above). The traditional question and answer format takes on a more casual back-and-forth between the master and the scholar. Some of the master's questions are as short as, "go on." The scholar's responses are where the real meat is contained.
The total number of pages in the book are deceptive. This is a much shorter work due to the size of the margins. There are a couple of minor typos, but nothing that obscures the intended meaning. The few shortcomings are easily overcome by the quality of the content. I heartily recommend this to anyone looking for a solid presentation of essential traditional protestant theology, Anglican or otherwise.
November 24, 2024
A great reprint of a long-forgotten but essential reference to the historic catechismal discipline of Anglicanism. Nowell's Middle Catechism deserves its place alongside the two Books of Homilies, Jewel's Apology, and the 1604 edition Canons of the Church of England.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews