Catechisms are a way to learn the main teachings of the Christian faith using a question/answer format.
They have been popular in Christianity since the Reformation, when various people started putting together sets of question and answers based on their understanding of the Bible, but the format goes back much further.
Choose from the catechisms to learn. If you have other catechisms that you would like added, please contact us.
The Baptist Catechism (1695)
At the Baptist General Assembly of 1693, William Collins was commissioned to compile the truths of The Baptist Confession into question and answer format. The result was The Baptist Catechism.
To see the scripture references, please have a look at this online version of The 1695 Baptist Catechism or download the PDF.
It includes 115 question/answer pairs.
Heidelberg Catechism
The Heidelberg Catechism was written in German in 1563 for the Elector Frederick III by two godly men in their twenties. It is widely loved for its warm pastoral tone, being originally written in three sections: our misery, our deliverance and our thankfulness. It was soon divided into 52 sections, one for each Lord's Day, and is preached on each week in many Dutch churches. It is part of their Three Forms of Unity along with the Belgic Confession and Canons of Dort.
This modern English translation was authorised by the Canadian and American Reformed Churches.
It includes 129 question/answer pairs.
New City Catechism
A joint adult and children's catechism consisting of 52 questions and answers adapted by Timothy Keller and Sam Shammas from the Reformation catechisms. Used with permission. See the New City Catechism website for more information.
It includes 52 question/answer pairs.
New City Catechism for Kids
A joint adult and children's catechism consisting of 52 questions and answers adapted by Timothy Keller and Sam Shammas from the Reformation catechisms - this is the kids version. Used with permission. See the New City Catechism website for more information.
It includes 52 question/answer pairs.
Westminster Shorter Catechism 1647
The Westminster Shorter Catechism (also known simply as the Shorter Catechism) is a catechism that was written in the 1640s by English and Scottish divines. The same assembly also produced the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Larger Catechism.
It is used by many Christians and denominations, especially in the instruction of children.
It includes 107 question/answer pairs.
Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English
This is essentially the same as the Westminster Shorter Catechism but with updated language.
The text is from The Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English by Douglas F. Kelly and Philip Rollinson.
Used with permission of P&R Publishing Co., P.O. Box 817, Phillipsburg, N.J. 08865 www.prpbooks.com. Printed copies can be ordered here.
It includes 107 question/answer pairs.