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An Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism: Sources, History, and Theology
This work examines key aspects of the development of the Heidelberg Catechism, including historical background, socio-political origins, purpose, authorship, sources, and theology. The book includes the first ever English translations of two major sources of the Heidelberg Catechism--Ursinus's Smaller and Larger Catechisms--and a bibliography of research on the document since 1900.
Students of the Reformed tradition and the Protestant Reformation will value this resource.
Students of the Reformed tradition and the Protestant Reformation will value this resource.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 8, 2016
An excellent introduction to the history and theology of the Heidelberg Catechism. Part 1 outlines the history and development of the Palatinate and the political situation leading to Frederick III calling for the creation of a unified catechism. There is also discussion surrounding the nature of the construction of the HC, including previous historical understanding that has been overturned be recent scholarship (i.e. that Ursinus wrote the catechism but Olevianus added pastoral warmth).
Part II are English translations of Zacharius Ursinus' Smaller and Larger Catechisms—sources thought to be integral to the creation of the Heidelberg Catechism. These are of best use for the scholar who wants to compare and contrast distinctions between Ursinus' catechisms and the HC.
My favorite parts were the sketch of Palatinate history, and the question of how to "place" the HC. Having read quite a few books around early modern history, this has always been confusing to me: was the Palatinate Lutheran because it was in Germany? Or Reformed because of its proximity to Zurich, Strasbourg, and Geneva? This chapter helped to show that the Palatinate had a very tumultuous religious history, in many ways culminating with Frederick III moving toward a more "Reformed" view of the Lord's Supper.
That history in place, the section overviewing how exactly one should think about the HC—was it Lutheran? Melancthonian? Calvinian? Bullingerian? Zwinglian?—helped to show just how brilliant the HC was. Frederick III's specific aim was to create a catechism that set forth Christian doctrine according to Scripture—thus, he repudiated such labels as they would distract from his major aim: a unified Palatinate. By avoiding such labels, the variety of Gnesio-Lutherans, Philippists, Calvinists, and Reformed could get behind the HC.
This was an excellent introduction and survey of one of the greatest confessional documents to come out of the 16th century. My one quib is that I wish that Ursinus' catechisms were added as an appendix instead of an entire part. Other reviewers have wished for maps and, because of the complexity of the Palatinate (which they covered so well!), I agree with that desire.
Part II are English translations of Zacharius Ursinus' Smaller and Larger Catechisms—sources thought to be integral to the creation of the Heidelberg Catechism. These are of best use for the scholar who wants to compare and contrast distinctions between Ursinus' catechisms and the HC.
My favorite parts were the sketch of Palatinate history, and the question of how to "place" the HC. Having read quite a few books around early modern history, this has always been confusing to me: was the Palatinate Lutheran because it was in Germany? Or Reformed because of its proximity to Zurich, Strasbourg, and Geneva? This chapter helped to show that the Palatinate had a very tumultuous religious history, in many ways culminating with Frederick III moving toward a more "Reformed" view of the Lord's Supper.
That history in place, the section overviewing how exactly one should think about the HC—was it Lutheran? Melancthonian? Calvinian? Bullingerian? Zwinglian?—helped to show just how brilliant the HC was. Frederick III's specific aim was to create a catechism that set forth Christian doctrine according to Scripture—thus, he repudiated such labels as they would distract from his major aim: a unified Palatinate. By avoiding such labels, the variety of Gnesio-Lutherans, Philippists, Calvinists, and Reformed could get behind the HC.
This was an excellent introduction and survey of one of the greatest confessional documents to come out of the 16th century. My one quib is that I wish that Ursinus' catechisms were added as an appendix instead of an entire part. Other reviewers have wished for maps and, because of the complexity of the Palatinate (which they covered so well!), I agree with that desire.
April 5, 2018
A great, thorough little piece of work. A useful read for any pastor/elder in a church subscribing to the Three Forms of Unity.
July 4, 2016
This book is especially important because of the English translations of Zacharius Ursinus' Shorter and Larger Catechisms.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews