The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism

by Kevin DeYoung, Jerry Bridges (Foreword)

If there is "nothing new under the sun," perhaps the main task now facing the Western church is not to reinvent or be relevant, but to remember. 

The truth of the gospel is still contained within vintage faith statements. Within creeds and catechisms we can have our faith strengthened, our knowledge broadened, and our love for Jesus deepened.   

In The Good News We Almost Forgot, Kevin DeYoung explores the Heidelberg Catechism and writes 52 brief chapters on what it has shown him. The Heidelberg is largely a commentary on the Apostle's Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer, and deals with man's guilt, God's grace, and believers' gratitude. This book is a clear-headed, warm-hearted exploration of the faith, simple enough for young believers and deep enough for mature believers. DeYoung writes, "The gospel summarized in the Heidelberg Catechism is glorious, its Christ gracious, its comfort rich, its Spirit strong, its God Sovereign, and its truth timeless." Come and see how your soul can be warmed by the elegantly and logically stated doctrine that matters We are great sinners and Christ is a greater Savior!

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Devotional, Church History

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Kevin DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan, right across the street from Michigan State University.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thankful for this book! The Heidelberg is a treasure I have been fortunate to know since my childhood in the CRC. We read this book for Sunday dinner devotions and will most certainly go through it again in the future. Highly recommended for those who know that catechism and those who are just learning about it.

[Caleb Nakhla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite solid. Full of solid answers to questions you may have never once considered asking. The Catechism is really the star of the show, rather than KDY. However, he does offer helpful clarification and elaboration to the text in a concise manner.

I found the emphases of the catechism to be very interesting. If I was creating a catechism (basically picking what I will prioritize teaching children!), I don't know if I would dedicate such large portions to the 10 Commandments, or the Lord's Prayer, or a rigorous understanding of the sacraments, or the Apostle's Creed. But in reading through this, I realize that's probably a me (and the modern evangelical church) problem rather than a them problem. I don't see many parents making a focus of teaching their kids (or pastors emphasizing) the Lord's Prayer or the 10 Commandments, therefore I don't consider it that important. But this 500-year-old Catechism disagrees and challenges that notion. We should probably be considering church history / tradition more.

[Chris Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read a chapter of this book every morning during my quiet time. It was so cool to not only read through the Heidelberg Catechism but also have some commentary along the way. This book helped me understand why I believe the things I believe about being Christian.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the course in my life, I have read hundreds of books from various genres. However I would say that I am extremely picky with Christian books, mainly cause they tend to follow the same format. As a Christian I look for something to surprise me or make me question why I believe the things I believe. Not so much to prove me wrong, but to explore different things that I may have not known growing up. Based on the synopsis of this book, I was very intrigued with the title, but even more impressed with how this turned out.

The book was mainly about the hidden truth that Christians ignore while preaching. Things such as how it is Christ living His life through us, not us trying to perform for him with our religious duty. It is Christ love that compels us to resist sin and to say yes to Jesus. I really love how divided the chapters were in,it first had a question and answer, then it tackle controversial topics such as the Ten Commandments,the law, etc. The catechisms was really eye opening for me, this book really exposed me to the lies that I have been taught growing up. Also it really answered every curious question that I had, cause it broke everything down. It explained the Lord's prayer in detail and it expounded on why we should search truth for revelation and not information.

The author viewpoints regarding most things, I completely agree with. As far as Salvation being by faith through grace, Christ death, resssurection, ascension, etc. It really made me THINK, that is something that I look for in Christian novels thus this did a terrific job doing that.

Although this book is well deserving of the five stars ( EXTREMELY RARE for me, for books generally, especially Christian), it confused me towards the conclusion of the book. On one hand the author said something insightful, but then he would later change his mind or clarify what he meant in the previous chapter. Therefore I was very confused at the point he was trying to make, it seemed like his approach was to remain as neutral as possible.

Lastly, the last section of this book was unnecessary, he basically rehashed his point on a particular topic that I felt that most readers already got.

Nevertheless, this was an astounding book for the church and non church goers.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully understand that not everyone will love this book as much as I do, but I would give it 6 stars if I could. Refreshing, comforting, sharpening, and, for those of us who grew up with catechisms, nostalgic. Answered questions I had and questions I didn’t know I had. Possibly my favorite book of the year so far, but if you know me, that is probably not a surprise.

(It was kind of The Echochamber in book form.)

[Mariah Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book last year and immediately put it in our Morning Time routine to read to the kids. As you work your way through the Heidelberg Catechism questions, each set of Lord’s Day questions are accompanied with commentary. It was simple enough for all my children to be able to follow along, yet meaty enough to have copious grand conversations throughout. Highly recommend!

[David Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, which is itself largely a commentary on the Apostles Creed, Ten Commandments, and Lord's Prayer. This book is definitely a book on theology, but it has a very devotional feel and could probably be used as a devotional.

I found some of the chapters uplifting or even awe-inspiring - awe-inspiring because of what they spoke of God, not because of the quality of the writing. (Although that too was fine.) Who could not be moved by the first question of the catechism, after all?

"Q: What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A: That I am not my own, but belong - body and soul, in life and in death - to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him."

I'll accept any excuse to quote that. I found other chapters convicting of the imperfect ways in which I live my own life, the impure motives that lie behind my (even good) actions. Consider an excerpt from a chapter on part of the Lord's Prayer:

"Few of us have probably stopped to think what radical reorientation flows from this first petition [of the Lord's Prayer]. By putting 'hallowed by Your name' first, Jesus would have us understand that the point of prayer is God's glory. Yes, we may legitimately ask for other things, but our overriding concern is for the fame of God's name. It's as if we prayed, 'Our Father in heaven, the concern nearest to my heart and the one that shapes all other requests is that Your name would be regarded as holy, that Your fame would be heralded on the earth, that You would be honored among the nations, that Your glory would be magnified for all to see. O Lord, be pleased to cause men everywhere to take pleasure in You, that You might be praised now and forever.'"

I don't think I could claim that that is usually the concern nearest my heart, or my first concern in prayer.

The book also addresses some common intellectual questions - for example, is oath taking always bad? Didn't Jesus speak against it? Can I really swear an oath to tell the truth when I go to court?

Some topics of disagreement among Christians are also discussed, including infant baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the "Keys of the Kingdom". And, of course, no DeYoung book would be complete without some criticism of Rob Bell - said criticism occurs on page 77 of this book. (OK, I tease, I tease! But "Velvet Elvis" really is critiqued on page 77.)

Highly recommended.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

My full review can be read at Blogging Theologically:

When I was a kid, the only time I ever heard the word “catechism” was when a friend grumbled about how he couldn’t be wait to be done with it when he was thirteen. I had no idea what a catechism was, but sounded horrible—obviously it was some sort of hellish torture device. So imagine my surprise when I eventually learned that it was a simply a series of questions and answers about the Bible. (In all fairness, I’ve also come to realize that for someone who doesn’t believe the Bible or have a desire to know more about Jesus, it would seem rather hellish.)

Kevin DeYoung knows all about this. Growing up in the Christian Reformed Church, the Heidelberg Catechism was a part of his life. While he always appreciated it, it wasn’t seen as something terribly exciting. But it was in his seminary days, seeing the reaction of his fellow students, that he was reminded of just how meaningful the Heidelberg Catechism really is. “My classmates were seeing something many of my peers had missed. The Heidelberg Catechism is really, really good” (p. 16).

That, ultimately led DeYoung to write The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism. DeYoung structures the book as a devotional commentary, sharing his insights on each of Heidelberg’s 129 questions over 52 Lord’s Days. The catechism’s questions are run opposite each of DeYoung’s essays, allowing readers like me to appreciate the Heidelberg for itself...

[Marcel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro que traz Hidelberg e seu tom maravilhosamente pastoral, com comentários e reflexões excelentes do Pr Kevin DeYoung. Essa obra evidencia o que é uma vida cristã saudável: boa teologia que culmina em humildade, piedade e santificação.

[Zach Nakhla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not perfect, but really really good

[Jared Totten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I say anything else, I must offer a big thanks to Moody Publishing for their patience in waiting for this review. I took my time with this book and read it more as a devotional which incidentally the book is perfectly laid out for. More on that in a moment.

Who would have guessed that a catechism from the 16th century could be anything but dry, propositional and boring? Yet Kevin DeYoung has taken the Heidelberg Catechism and unearthed a treasure that is modern, relevant and even interesting in The Good News We Almost Forgot.

The catechism (and thus the book) are largely an unpacking of the Apostle's Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer. The 129 questions of the catechism are broken up into 52 chapters, perfect for a weekly devotional reading. While I didn't spend a week on each chapter, I did take my time reading the book, rarely reading more than a chapter or two in a sitting. The chapters are short enough and the content varied enough that the book doesn't really lend itself to knocking out half the book in a sitting.

This book is taken best in small bites . . . and chew slowly.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism. Concise, uplifting, satisfying. Arranged like the Heidelberg itself into 52 sections (one for each Sunday of the year), this is probably best used as a devotional. DeYoung excels at drawing existential advice from a doctrinal statement.

[John Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chances are pretty good that many people reading this are wondering, What in the world is a catechism? The short answer is that it is a method of teaching Biblical truth in an orderly way. The word "catechize" comes from the Greek word katecheo, which is the word Paul used several times in the New Testament translated "instruct" or "teach" (see for example, 1 Cor. 14:19 , Gal. 6:6 , and Acts 18:25 ). Typically, a catechism teaches the doctrines held by the church through a series of questions and answers, with references to supporting Scriptures.

More specifically, the Heidelberg Catechism is one of several historic church documents produced around the time of the Reformation for the purposes of instructing children (and adults) in the doctrines of the new Protestant faith. It was published in 1563, written primarily by Zacharias Ursinus, who was a professor at the University of Heidelberg. The catechism contains 129 Questions & Answers, arranged into 52 Lord's Days. The idea was that students being taught the catechism would memorize a set of Q&A's each week, reciting them in their catechism class (a predecessor of "Sunday School") on the Lord's Day. You can find the entire catechism online here .

The Heidelberg is divided into three main sections: The Misery of Man, Man's Deliverance, and Thankfulness. Or, as the sections are more commonly known, "Guilt, Grace, and Gratitude". These sections teach us systematically our need for salvation, God's work in accomplishing our salvation, and the Christian's response to salvation. The catechism also focuses largely on three elements: The Apostle's Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer.

If you've never read a book on the Heidelberg Catechism before, you're not alone. In fact, C.J. Mahaney mentioned this in his endorsement of the book: "I'm sure this will be the best book on the Heidelberg Catechism I've ever read. I know it will be the first." After reading the book, though, I am convinced that this would rank among the best books written on the subject even if there were many!

The format of the book is simple but effective. There are 52 chapters, corresponding to the 52 Lord's Days. In each chapter, DeYoung offers a short exposition of the Q&A's for that week and the Scripture verses on which the answers are based. This would make the book an ideal tool for aiding in the teaching of the catechism, or for a weekly family devotional.

DeYoung does tend to use a lot of big, intimidating theological words in his writing, but balances this out very well with analogies that explain those concepts in "layman's terms" (though always with the goal of building the theological vocabulary of the layman). For instance, here is his explanation of "imputation", one of the more complicated components of our doctrine of salvation:

Jesus was not punished because He actually possessed sin in himself, just as we are not justified because we actually possess righteousness in ourselves. Rather, both things happen by imputation. Imputation means instead of holding $500 in your hand, someone else wires it to your account. The money is not actually in your physical possession, but it is legally and truthfully considered to be yours. This is what imputation is all about, God counting to us a perfect life of obedience richer than we've ever lived. Thus He grants us a perfect righteousness we have no chance to ever achieve.

The foreword states that there are likely things in this book with which readers will not agree. This will be particularly true of Baptists, as the Heidelberg Catechism presents a very Reformed/Presbyterian understanding of the sacraments. That being said, I (as a Baptist) greatly appreciated DeYoung's treatment of baptism and other potentially divisive doctrines. In the chapter for the first of two Lord's Days dealing with baptism, DeYoung presents a Bible-saturated explanation of the purpose of baptism, highlighting the many Truths shared in common by paedo- ("infant baptism") and credobaptists ("believer's baptism"). Any Baptist, Presbyterian, or any other Protestant should be able to affirm everything he says here.

In the following chapter (winsomely titled "Vivacious Baby-Baptizing"), he then lays out a very thorough and unapologetic defense of infant baptism. Personally, I quite enjoyed reading this chapter, as it answered a lot of misconceptions about the Reformed (as opposed to the Roman Catholic) paedobaptist position that I have had. While I am still not in 100% agreement with DeYoung on this issue, I am in full agreement that this is a peripheral doctrine, where there is room for disagreement and healthy debate within the realm of orthodoxy.

Despite this and a few other areas where non-Reformed Christians may have differences, this is a book that will benefit every Christian. DeYoung is probably the perfect author for a book of this nature. He is "gladly" Reformed, and firm on the theological distinctions that make him so, but focuses on the vast number of doctrines (including the "essential" doctrines) on which all Christians should agree, rather than the few secondary doctrines on which we may not. He acknowledges the largest criticisms against the Reformed tradition (that it grants "moral license" to sin, and that it provides no incentive for evangelism), and graciously rebukes Calvinists who give legitimacy to these criticisms by continuing in sin and not evangelizing.

By far the best part of the book is its epilogue, entitled "The Crust and the Core". Here he gives the best explanation I've ever read for striking the balance between being a discerning, intellectually informed theologian and being a warmhearted, approachable, loving, evangelistic Christian. A slightly different version of this section of the book was published on DeYoung's blog last year, and you can read it in its entirety by clicking here . Highly recommended! (But you should buy the book anyway, even though I said this was the best part...)

I am thankful to have received a free copy of this book from the 2010 Band of Bloggers gathering .

P.S. - For further reading for Baptists, check out " A Baptist Catechism " (originally published in 1689, but now adapted by John Piper), and also Kim Riddlebarger's article on The Need to Recover the Practise of Catechism

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book works its way through the Heidelberg Catechism one question at a time. I've been using it as a Sunday morning devotional this year, reading one of the 2-3 page long sections each week before church.

DeYoung is one of my favorite theologians--he has a delightful way with words, speaking truth humbly and with pleasing flashes of dry humor. I have appreciated the way he expounds on doctrinal truths in ways that deepen and broaden my understanding, always with the reminder that this is about how we live, not just what we believe.

The ending section was particularly convicting, about not letting our theology make us crusty and unloving. "We must delineate between a slightly ill-informed wording of a phrase and a purposeful rejection of truth."

[James Bunyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclusion was brilliant, discussing what kind of Christians Reformed theology should make us.
Made me love the Heidelburg catechism- but really this is just a 21st Century introduction to Reformed theology.

[Catherine Mullaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Kevin DeYoung that I have read. The reason I bought the book was to learn about the Heidleberg Catechism. I had not heard of it. We now belong to a church that is a part of the CRC (Christian Reformed Churches) and it is one of the confessions of faith that helps communicate and remind us of what we believe. I started out reading it by myself and once I asked Dan if I could read some of it to him, we ended up reading it together.
Just a few quotes from the introduction in order to whet your appetite:
"We must remember the old, old story. We must remember the faith once delivered to the saints. We must remember the truths that spark reformation, revival, and regeneration."

"All of us-kids and adults-need to know the Bible better than we know the Heidelberg Catechism. No doubt about that. But all of us-kids and adults-can have our faith strengthened, our knowledge broadened, and our love for Jesus deepened by devoting ourselves to reading rich truth like the kind found in the Heidelberg Catechism."

"After two introductory questions, the Catechism deals with man's misery (Questions 3-11), man's deliverance (Questions 12-85) and finally, man's response (86-129) - or to put it more memorably: guilt, grace, and gratitude."

The subtitle of the book is what drew me in: "Rediscovering the Gospel in the 16th Century Catechism." It is a great to have these questions and answers organized in such a way that it once again renews my love for the One who has bought me and made me his own. The first question addresses one of the main concerns of us that live in the West and specifically for me, the US: Comfort. Spiritually blind eyes do not want to hear it and DeYoung rephrases the first question in his devotion. "What is your solace in life? What is your only security?" He continues: "...it also poses the most important question we will ever face. What enables you to endure life and face death unafraid? Is it that you read your Bible every day? That you attend church every Sunday? That you give to the poor? That you have a cushy retirement account saved up? That you haven't committed any of the big sins in life? We live in a world where we expect to find comfort in possessions, pride, power, and position. But the Catechism teaches us that our only true comfort comes from the fact that we don't even belong to ourselves...We can endure suffering and disappointment in life and face death and the life to come without fear of judgment, not because of what we've done or what we own or what we are, but because of what we do not possess, namely, our own selves."
Overall, it is a great read both encouraging and challenging, calling all Christians to take heart and to press on in this life and look with hope toward the next and to keep an eye open for the Lord's return.

[Michaelpatrick Keena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how beautiful is the Heidelberg Catechism! As a Baptist I am an odd bird, for Baptist are not by nature fans of confessions and catechisms. Though those of us who are Calvinistic in our leanings have an appreciation for them. We see them as handles or summations of the Scriptures. They have no authority other us in themselves; but are beautiful expressions of those doctrines we hold so dear. Do I agree with everything embodied in the Heidelberg? No, neither do agree to everything in the Westminster Catechism. I take issue with infant baptism; but that's OK, the subject is not a core issue reflecting upon salvation and/or the character of God.

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good entry level read on the Heidelberg Catechism. Would be good to use for study in a high school class, with the average church member who does not have a lot of theological background, or a read aloud and discussion for family devotions. DeYoung has good understanding of basic reformed theology. He also has a great concern that his people grow in holiness. Both the theology and the piety are held in balance throughout the book. He keeps the chapters short and to the point, which makes it easily accessible. He does not dive in deep, but what he gives you is solid and gets you headed in the right direction.

[Cbarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

DeYoung is a great guide through a great Catechism. The Heidelberg Catechism is becoming one of my all-time favorite expressions of theology. It is just brilliant. Even taking one question and answer to read through before turning the lights off at night is a great way to end the day.
If you are not familiar with the catechetical method of learning Christian theology this is a helpful book to get you excited about the HC.

[Josiah Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll admit I cheated and listened to the audio book. But I really enjoyed this book, it’s basically a easily accessible commentary on the Heidelberg catechism. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking into catechisms for the first time specifically the Heidelberg catechism.

[Brian Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heidelberg catechism is a doctrinal document that Christians ought to read and benefit from. DeYoung provides an excellent entry-level introduction.

[Johnny Mcclean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent. Question 1 and Question 60 are worth their weight in gold!

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid and engaging commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Walks through the Heidelberg catechism and gives great commentary on each question. Highly recommend for personal devotion or just a walk through the Heidelberg.

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on Hoopla.

In this book, Kevin DeYoung walks his readers through the Heidelberg Catechism. Via an assortment of historical recovery, theological defense, and devotional application, Kevin helps his readers to see why the Catechism has been such a beloved document for nearly half of a millennium. Far from an attempt at novelty, the work is simply an asking for the ancient paths, asking where the good way is, and then devotionally and practically encourages his readers to walk in it that they might find rest for your souls.

One of the great benefits of this work and ones like it is that it allows readers to take CS Lewis’s advice of reading old books in order to be dislodged from our own time while at the same time the reader doesn’t have to do historical recovery work sometimes necessary.

In sum, Kevin’s book offers nothing new but much that is refreshing. Readers looking to better understand historic Christianity or looking for a devotional work would be well treaded by it.

[Josh Sieders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nearing the close of two years of teaching the Heidelberg catechism to the youth at my church, I am grateful for this book. DeYoung has a gift for writing so accessibly, passionately and interestingly about theology. This book walks you through this theological treasure and brings it to every day life.

[Logan Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it fine.

[David Meinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and pastoral walk through the Heidelberg Catechism. I think it would be a great option for small groups

[Alexandru Croitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creedal-informed devotional; the Heidelberg Catechism is truly a gem and DeYoung's short reflections after each "Lord's Day Q/A" come in handy.

[Parker Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work is a fantastic exposition of the Heidelberg Catechism. Each section is brief so this went really well with morning devotions.