Instruction in the Way of the Lord: A Guide to the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer

by Martin Davie

The celebration of the 350th anniversary of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer has helped to stimulate a renewed interest in its teaching and fundamental contribution to Anglican identity. Archbishop Cranmer and others involved in the English Reformation knew well that the content and shape of the services and doctrine set out in the Prayer Book were vital ways of teaching congregations biblical truth and the principles of the Christian gospel. However, the Prayer Book Catechism is a neglected educational resource for the Church of England. For centuries it provided the framework for instructing young Christians in the basics of Christian belief and behaviour, but in recent years it has come to be almost forgotten. This new study describes the place of the Catechism in the Prayer Book and how the Catechism came to be written. It then expounds the teaching of the Catechism and explains its continuing value as a basis for teaching the fundamentals of the Christian faith in basics groups and confirmation classes. MARTIN DAVIE is a theological consultant for the Church of England Evangelical Council and the Oxford Centre for Religion in Public Life. He also teaches doctrine at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.

68 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2014

Reviews

[Mark Einselen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Instruction in the Way of the Lord" is probably the first book in the Latimer Trust series that received more than 3 stars (that I've read so far). The bar is low... but this is actually a useful companion to the older Prayer Book catechisms. It reads as an interpreter for both the original language (English, but with old grammar and odd spelling to modern American eyes) and the original meaning.

The author, Martin Davie, rightly uses the Articles of Religion to interpret some items that appear to be open to interpretation. The appendix includes a catechism in modern language. This, I've found, is useful in contemporary parish ministry.

This short book would be appropriate for adult learners who desire more content than the simple 1662 catechism, as well as for instructors who need background information regarding the material.

[Jacob · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good overview of the catechism in the BCP. It lacks some of the necessary polemical arguments for those who, a) believe the catechism is insufficient, or b) would not use the catechism at all.

[Zack Clemmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

A functional book, faithfully serving its purpose: introducing, defending, and explaining the catechism of the BCP.