By: Roberto Sonio
The Heidelberg Catechism. United Church Press, 1962.
This book is easy to read and understand because it is brief and well focused on 129 common questions related to sin, redemption, and new life in the Spirit. Each question is answered from a strong biblical basis or with a direct answer from Scripture. This approach is good because it clearly shows that the truths and practices it teaches are not merely suggestions, nor the words of the author, but the Word of God. So, it is God who answers the questions. I believe that any doctrine without a biblical basis is only a suggestion or an author�s point of view, and we cannot necessarily consider it as fact.
In my view the catechism has four weaknesses in what it omits. First, it does not establish the authority of scripture. The authors do not include the fact that this �Scripture is given by the inspiration of God�� (2 Tim. 3:16) or that the word of God contains the revelation His will, His mighty deeds, His divine plan and purpose for human beings, who were created according to His image and likeness.
Second, it does not emphasize the great commission. The authors do not stress that Christians are called to bring the gospel to the unsaved. The reason why we are still in this world is that so many dying people need to hear the truth of God�s saving grace. But more than their need, we need to observe the commandment of the Lord in order to please Him. Therefore, we must pay attention both to His teaching and to His purposes, so that we will become faithful stewards just as the Lord requires of us. In this regard, the lack of emphasis on the great commission is a significant shortcoming.
Third, the catechism gives little attention to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. As the one who convicts sinners to repent, intercedes when we pray, seals us at the time of salvation, guides us wherever we go, comforts us in time of storm, and illumines us when we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit is central to every part of the Christian life. The work of the Holy Spirit in the lives and ministry of the body of Christ is important to know and acknowledge.
Fourth, the catechism provides little instruction on how can we apply the word of God. I believe that knowledge without application is in vain. The Lord Jesus taught us that the wise do not simply hear his commands, but they do them as well. To earn knowledge is good, but to apply it is far better.
Although the catechism discusses the nature of salvation, it does not have any passage about the way of salvation. So, if an unbeliever would not likely become saved by reading the catechism nor appreciate the authority of the Scripture. Rather, the unbeliever might tend to consider the catechism like a psychology book or a secular ethics book. It seems clear that the authors assume that the readers are already believers in Christ and know the authority of Scripture.
Despite some omissions, this catechism is an effective way of equipping believers, and so we need it to become mature and responsible Christians, not only for ourselves, but for the next generation as well. Because catechism is necessary, we need formulations such as this. Therefore, my suggestion is to expand it to include the important missing topics and thereby improve its usefulness to the church.
--rsonio '05
