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Westminster Shorter Catechism with Proof Texts
This edition is the original 1647 catechism (Westminster Assembly) with updated proof texts (ESV)
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 18, 2019
This is an excellent and succinct introduction to Reformed theology, if such a thing exists. It clearly illustrates the profound differences between Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox traditions on the fundamentals of the Christian Gospel:
* Baptists disagree with the answers given in the Catechism on Baptism.
* Lutherans affirm that Christ is received in a corporal manner at the Lord's Supper.
* Roman Catholics and Orthodox deny that Scripture is the only rule of belief and duty.
...to name just a few. Thus, this catechism provides a good starting point for the necessary inquiry and dialog that leads to unity.
I was surprised to learn that the teachings on original sin described in the Catechism are compatible with the Eastern Church Fathers:
"All the members of the human race, past, present, and future, are interdependent. This coinherence does not signify that we are legally guilty of Adam's sin, considered as an act of personal choice;" (Bp. Kallistos Ware, "How are we Saved? The Understanding of Salvation in the Orthodox Tradition", p. 24)
"In Mark's ascetic theology, this obligation to repent on Adam's behalf fits within a broader theory of vicarious repentance: 'The saints are required to offer repentance not only on their own behalf but also on behalf of their neighbor, for without active love they cannot be made perfect...In this way the whole universe is held together in unity, and through God's providence we are each of us assisted by one another.' [St. Mark the Ascetic, On Repentance, 11]" (Ibid., p. 23)
"According to Gregory of Nyssa, then, Adam's transgression is something for which we must each of us ask forgiveness. From this it surely follows that his transgression is in some sense our transgression also. The fact that we are called to share in his penitence must signify that we share likewise in his sinfulness and guilt." (Ibid., p. 21)
This aligns well with original sin as described in the Catechism: "A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin,[43] the want of original righteousness,[44] and the corruption of his whole nature,[45] which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.[46]" (Q. 18).
* Baptists disagree with the answers given in the Catechism on Baptism.
* Lutherans affirm that Christ is received in a corporal manner at the Lord's Supper.
* Roman Catholics and Orthodox deny that Scripture is the only rule of belief and duty.
...to name just a few. Thus, this catechism provides a good starting point for the necessary inquiry and dialog that leads to unity.
I was surprised to learn that the teachings on original sin described in the Catechism are compatible with the Eastern Church Fathers:
"All the members of the human race, past, present, and future, are interdependent. This coinherence does not signify that we are legally guilty of Adam's sin, considered as an act of personal choice;" (Bp. Kallistos Ware, "How are we Saved? The Understanding of Salvation in the Orthodox Tradition", p. 24)
"In Mark's ascetic theology, this obligation to repent on Adam's behalf fits within a broader theory of vicarious repentance: 'The saints are required to offer repentance not only on their own behalf but also on behalf of their neighbor, for without active love they cannot be made perfect...In this way the whole universe is held together in unity, and through God's providence we are each of us assisted by one another.' [St. Mark the Ascetic, On Repentance, 11]" (Ibid., p. 23)
"According to Gregory of Nyssa, then, Adam's transgression is something for which we must each of us ask forgiveness. From this it surely follows that his transgression is in some sense our transgression also. The fact that we are called to share in his penitence must signify that we share likewise in his sinfulness and guilt." (Ibid., p. 21)
This aligns well with original sin as described in the Catechism: "A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell, consists in the guilt of Adam’s first sin,[43] the want of original righteousness,[44] and the corruption of his whole nature,[45] which is commonly called original sin; together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.[46]" (Q. 18).
May 22, 2020
Excellent way to know, teach, and learn of the Lord God almighty.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews