The New City Catechism Devotional: God's Truth for Our Hearts and Minds

New City Catechism

by Collin Hansen (Editor), Timothy J. Keller (Introduction)

In centuries past, the church has used catechisms to teach foundational Christian doctrines. Today, this communal practice of learning basic beliefs via questions and answers has largely been lost. Seeking to restore this ancient method of teaching to the regular life of the church, The New City Catechism Devotional is a gospel-centered, modern-day resource that not only summarizes important Christian beliefs through 52 questions and answers but also helps readers meditate on and be transformed by those doctrines.

Each question features devotional commentary written by leading contemporary and historical figures such as John Piper, Timothy Keller, Kevin DeYoung, D. A. Carson, Alistair Begg, Mark Dever, Augustine, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, John Owen, Martin Luther, and many others. Each question also includes a relevant Scripture reading and short prayer.

Designed for use in a variety of contexts, including with families, churches, and small groups, The New City Catechism Devotional stands as a valuable resource for helping adults and children alike learn the key doctrines that stand at the heart of the Christian faith.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Devotional, Discipleship, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Reference

240 pages, Hardcover

Published April 30, 2017

About the author

Collin Hansen is editorial director for The Gospel Coalition and was previously an associate editor for Christianity Today. He has written for Books & Culture, Leadership, and Christian History & Biography, and is the author of Young, Restless, and Reformed.

Reviews

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know God loves me because he would give up everything for me. is much different from saying I know God loves me because he did give up everything for me. One is a loving sentiment; the other is a loving act. While we may try to make God more loving by diminishing the reality of hell and God's wrath, all we've really done is diminish the love of God. Without a real
hell we can't understand the real price that Jesus paid for our sin. and without a real price that was paid, there's no real love, there's no real grace, and there's no real praise for what he has done.

A catechism is a question (What is our only hope in life and death?) and the answer supported by scripture. "That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ. romans 14:7-8. This particular text takes 52 questions with answers supported by scripture and commentary by current teachers and teachers in church history. The author explains the importance of catechism in our daily devotions for family and for ourselves. It solidifies our faith and in the process, God becomes known to us in word and in deed. It also keeps our hearts looking forward eternity for what really matters.

The text is done in 3 parts. Part 1 deals with God, creation, fall and the Law. Part 2 deals with Christ, redemption, and grace and Part 3 deals with Spirit, Restoration, and growing in grace.

In doing the question and answers, we also see our heart responds to the question and how we can reason with the answer. I love this because God takes pleasure in our searching to know him in truth and in spirit. This devotion puts you in the right track for that.

Will be buying this devotional for family. I highly recommend.

A Special Thank You to Crossway and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Ethan Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful.

This is a devotional meant to be read and memorized once every week. There is a full year's worth which adds to 52 weeks of study.

The layout is simple yet great: a catechism question from a famous reformed confession or catechism, a verse that supports it, a dead authors writing on that topic, a current authors writing on that topic, and then finally a prayer.

I really enjoyed reading from some old saints like Athanasius, John Chrysostom, John Bradford, Clermont of Rome and others.

The reason for the 4 stars and not the five is I feel like better catechism Q and A's could have been selected and better quotes from the dead theologians. But I would definitely recommend this to someone wanting to read and/or memorize catechism questions.

[Jordan Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t grow up reciting catechisms, but have grown to appreciate their role in spiritual formation. This short 52-question guide is accessible, and the commentary and short prayers paired with each question help it to be read devotionally.

[Chloe Walker]

It’s not “why would God allow hell?” It’s “why would God experience hell for me?” and yet He did.

On the topic of hope everlasting: It means all of our deepest longings will be fulfilled. All of our greatest sorrow will be swallowed up. What could be better than that? And that’s what we’re fun for. Nothing less.

[Imani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finishing every book I started from 2021 to 2023 that I can.

[Michael Schmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read through the corresponding app, which I believe has all the content of the book: 52 questions and answers on basic doctrine divided up into three main parts (Part 1: God, Creation & Fall, Law; Part 2: Christ, Redemption, Grace; Part 3: Spirit, Restoration, Growing in Grace). The questions and answers are accompanied by one corresponding Scripture passage as well as a short devotional on the topic first from Christian leaders of the past (e.g. John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, J.C. Ryle, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, John Bunyan, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, John Owen, Martin Luther) and followed by additional comments of a Christian leader of the present (e.g. Timothy Keller, D.A. Carson, John Piper, Kevin DeYoung, Mark Dever). There is also a concluding short prayer on the topic. The app additionally includes some children's songs the first several questions and answers with a wording that is in most cases identical to the catechism and with some very catchy tunes that my two-year-old enjoyed and helped him memorise some statements although he may only minimallly grasp the truth of these statements. The catechism is good for personal devotion and especially also for instructing one's family/children.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I liked: These are solid 10-minute daily readings featuring Scripture, a brief commentary from a Christian from centuries past and a devotional from a modern-day writer. I especially appreciated the inclusion of voices from the past. As far as daily devotional books go, this is one of the better, more substantive ones I’ve gone through.

What I didn’t like: It’s too narrowly Reformed. I disagree with the emphasis, framing and substance of a lot of the entries. (Though plenty are really great, and all are worth reflecting on.) Also, 104 contributions and not one woman’s voice represented?

[Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro compuesto por 52 preguntas y respuestas busca enseñar oralmente o instruir por medio de la palabra hablada la práctica del catecismo debido a que este se ha perdido hoy en día.

"Las ideas superficiales acerca de la verdad, las nociones confusas de Dios y de la piedad, y el desconocimiento de los asuntos de la vida en cuanto al trabajo, la comunidad, la familia y la iglesia suelen ser la marcas de las congregaciónes en el día de hoy".

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been an invaluable resource in our corporate, family, and individual worship and study of God's Word. We appreciate the in-depth commentaries from historical and contemporary champions of faith as well as the simplicity of the questions and answers. I highly recommend this to all people of faith. May it be used to draw the Church closer to the Truth and God's will.

I requested an eARC of this title then later purchased the hardcover edition through our local church. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

52 questions and answers that simply and gloriously explain the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Really enjoyed the historical commentaries on each of the questions. This book is a really simple tool to help teach kids the foundations of the Christian faith but will also be encouraging to any adult that reads it.

[Caroline arrow_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource of gospel-centered questions of Christian life and doctrine. The book answers 52 questions with an answer, corresponding scripture, 2 commentaries, each ending with a brief prayer. I love the variety of commentaries from ancient figures to modern day pastors. This next semester I’ll be reading and discussing with my children.

[Temi Agbaje · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect with this book, but this was so refreshing! To be reminded of the foundational truths of our faith each week, was so encouraging! I will be revisiting this book, this next year! These are so good for us as Christians to know!

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Used as a discussion/discipleship guide with a group of young men.

[PD · Rating 4 out of 5]

52 questions in three sections: Part 1 - God, Creation and Fall, Law; Part 2 - Christ, Redemption, Grace; Part 3-Spirit, Restoration, Growing in Grace.

I really love the format: question, answer, Scripture passage; then brief commentary provided by a historical source and a contemporary source.

Initially a project of Redeemer PCA in NYC, as a way of adapting questions and answers from Westminster Shorter & Larger Catechisms, Calvin's Geneva Catechism, and the Heidelberg Catechism. It has since been promoted by Crossway and The Gospel Coalition.

I am part of the Reformed, Presbyterian tradition. I heartily recommend the New City Catechism as a way of exploring the rich tapestry of Protestant/Reformed catechesis. This particular format is great for devotional reading and encourage reflection upon these beautiful and theological truths of Scripture.

I don't particularly recommend the New City Catechism as a substitute or replacement for your particular tradition's catechesis. Upon reading NCC, you will certainly appreciate the similarities among a wide spectrum of Protestant and historically Reformed groups (Anglicans, Reformed, Presbyterian, Baptist, etc), but at the same time it flattens some of the nuance and distinctions that do exist between us, especially regarding the sacraments. Of course, there are more aspects that I appreciate than I quibble.

The NCC is also great for someone who doesn't necessarily come from a tradition that promotes catechesis as an entry to one or more of the source catechisms.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a contemporary resource aimed at reintroducing the practice of catechism—a method of teaching Christian doctrines through questions and answers—into the life of the modern church. Comprising 52 questions and answers, it covers fundamental Christian beliefs. Each question is accompanied by devotional commentary written by prominent contemporary and historical Christian figures, including John Piper, Timothy Keller, and others.

In my opinion, "The New City Catechism Devotional" left me with mixed feelings. While it served as a valuable resource to introduce and explore basic Christian doctrines, I found it somewhat lacking in depth and engagement. The book occasionally provided insightful nuggets, but these moments were infrequent, and the overall content felt too basic.

My observation is that the book might intentionally aim for simplicity, as catechisms are traditionally designed to provide concise and straightforward explanations of Christian beliefs. However, it's essential for such resources to strike a balance between accessibility and depth to engage a diverse readership effectively.

While it may not have fully met my expectations, it's worth noting that the book's target audience might include those seeking a foundational understanding of Christian doctrine or families looking for a straightforward resource to teach their children. In this context, its simplicity could be viewed as an advantage.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doctrine matters. Everyone's a theologian. You've probably heard these truths or insights in passing. Perhaps you've even given it a little thought. Perhaps you've made a resolution or two or three. Maybe it's on your one-day-I-will-figure-this-stuff-out list.

Everyone should be able to give an answer for the hope that they have. And catechisms--as out of favor as they are in some denominations--might be the way to go.
"Catechisms were written with at least three purposes. The first was to set forth a comprehensive exposition of the gospel—not only in order to explain clearly what the gospel is, but also to lay out the building blocks on which the gospel is based, such as the biblical doctrines of God, of human nature, of sin, and so forth. The second purpose was to do this exposition in such a way that the heresies, errors, and false beliefs of the time and culture were addressed and counteracted. The third and more pastoral purpose was to form a distinct people, a counterculture that reflected the likeness of Christ not only in individual character but also in the church’s communal life." (from the introduction)
The New City Catechism is 52 questions and answers. Questions 1-20 cover "God, Creation and Fall, Law." Questions 21-35 cover "Christ, Redemption, Grace." Questions 21-35 cover "Spirit, Restoration, Growing in Grace."

I loved the way this devotional is arranged: first the question and answer; second, a Bible verse; third, commentary from a 'witness' (theologian now in glory); fourth, commentary from a contemporary theologian; and finally, a closing prayer.

[Phil Whittall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this devotional. I found the daily question & answer format (which is what a catechism is) so helpful and really suited my way of thinking. Each entry has the Q & A, follwed by a verse then a reflection from a historical commentator through church history and a reflection from a contemporary leader and then concludes with a daily prayer. It has a clear tradition (Western reformed) so the list of contributors is not super diverse in terms of background or perspective.

This was the perfect length for a daily devotional yet it was substantial in content, providing depth as well as encouragement. I was almost sorry to get to the end of it and I'm confident I will return to it in the near (not distant future) and find new things from it then.

I loved it and am looking for more like it!

[Jude Morrissey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this to go through with the kids; I thought it'd be a good devotional to go over the basics of the faith. It wasn't as helpful as I'd hoped. Each question is followed by a scripture, a prayer, and commentary from two theologians (typically one historical and one more modern). The doctrine tends to be more conservative than my own, and every night I found myself having to stop and say, "Well, but..." I do like the format, and I wish there was something similar for my own use. Still, if you are a conservative Christian who would like a basic introduction to the faith, you might want to take a look at it. I highly recommend finding a library copy to scan before deciding to buy it, though.

[Evan Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

If I was rating the New City Catechism itself, especially the shortened kids edition, I would gladly give it 5 stars. This devotional book is good and true and helpful and . . . rather stiff. I love the readings from Bunyan and Calvin being included but never really connected well with many of the individual devos as they they were thankfully brief, but unhelpfully wooden.

Overall this is great material, but I would say if you are considering purchasing this devo as part of your family worship materials you can skip this and just use the other books or the amazing New City Catechism app.

[Ian Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hanna and I have been reading this devotional together. It has been such a rich experience. The Catechism (which is series of questions and answers arranged topically) causes us to meditate on truth that we otherwise might neglect. Tonight's question was "What do we believe about the Holy Spirit?" The commentary is short, insightful, and applicable. The Scripture references are relevant. The prayers are powerful. This is one of my favorite resources to give out. Cannot recommend it highly enough. *By the way, you can use it for free by downloading the application...

[Esther Chao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful truths in an easy, devotional format, 52 chapters, one for each week of the year. There is the catechism, a Bible verse, a historical commentator, a modern commentator and a prayer. It's amazing to see how Christians of old have the same thoughts as we do today and reminding myself of these truths throughout the book has been a joy! I hope to reread it and memorize these catechisms

[Randy Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in 2022 or so. I found it very refreshing as a devotional on the weekend days to come face more with theological truths of my Christian faith.

Also I’ve observed pastor acquaintances have also found it valuable in family based devotional readings, too.

I’d encourage anyone consider researching this book
And use it as a helpful and formative supplement to your Bible reading, that it may deepen and strengthen your faith.

I recommend this one !

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a life-long Christian, I may know the shallow answer to most of the questions posed in this devotional book. Nonetheless, the true value of the New City Catechism lies in the reflections, some of which were written decades ago. The timeless wisdom and Bible-centered doctrine make a difference here!

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Structured over 52 questions, this book has been a great help to understanding and reminding myself of key beliefs, aided further by the pastoral content that accompanies each question. It is tempting to easily breeze through each question's content and sometimes read two a day because of the writing's accessibility.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too fragmented for my liking. Each devotion is made up of a bible verse, a paragraph from a historical theologian, one from a modern day theologian and then a prayer. It covers all the questions about foundational Christian doctrine.

Each section was a bit too short to gain anything from for me, but I can see how it may be useful for others.

[Benjamin Razey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New City Catechism was a great read, detailing simple yet rich biblical truths in an easy-to-read and memorable format. I greatly appreciated the incorporation of comments from both present and older theologians. My wife and I used this as our devotional throughout last year and found it to be profoundly insightful and helpful!

[Graham Heslop · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I awarded The New City Catechism five stars. But I was disappointed with many of the short devotionals in this edition. They felt hurried and loose, like first drafts or an email fired off in answer to a question.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It covers many of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith and are based on older catechisms and creeds. It is broken down into 52 devotions to be used one/week. It includes the question, answer, Scripture backing, commentary from an historical theologian or pastor and a current commentary.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great idea for a devotional. Each chapter includes a catchism question and answer, a corresponding Scripture, commentary from a theologian of the past, commentary from a current theologian and a prayer. Really enjoyed working through this!

[Joseph Updike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful devotions and answers to questions in the Christian faith that are often assumed, passed over, or just never thought about. I recommend this for your church, small group, family, and personal use.