ROOTED - Monday, June 2, 2025

Galatians 6:6
6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.

Reflection: Catechism 101
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro 
I think you know this: I grew up in a very traditionally, independent-Baptist home. I did not know what a catechism was until I was in college. Many of you reading may still yet not know. The word “catechism” comes from the Greek word katecheo, often translated “teaching” or “instruction” (the verb form… “to teach”). This word is found in the New Testament (as in Galatians 6:6) along with other Greek words also translated “teaching.” In the New Testament it has the basic meaning of “imparting Christian knowledge.” 
In the broadest sense, a catechism is a theological and doctrinal teaching that is designed to help the church understand the faith. The doctrines, for example, taught for confirmation are, in a manner of speaking, a catechism. Catechisms, as I said, are teachings of the faith that are comprehensive. The churches throughout history have written formal catechisms that would be taught in order to clarify doctrine. New converts to Christianity were taught through lectures particular key doctrines. The Catholic Church has a catechism unique to their beliefs, and many protestant denominations have their own unique set of doctrinal positions. Thank God that for centuries of Christian tradition, godly men and women have labored in study in order to pass down for us solid biblical teaching such that we (hundreds of years later) do not stray into bad theology. I am grateful for this heritage of faith (much of which I am just now becoming familiar) as the work of our forefathers encourages me to be a good steward of studying the Word deeply for myself!  

Prayer 
Lord, help us, by your Spirit, to study the Word deeply. Protect us from bad doctrine and help us to be passionate about the truth of the Scriptures.