“I’d rather focus on heart than head, the practical rather than the intellectual”—Sometimes, especially in reformed circles, there is a tendency to elevate head knowledge—including catechesis—over topics like relationships, healthy marriage, vocation, emotional health, or a heart for God. That’s why for some “attention to doctrine is sometimes actually avoided, lest it induce contention and cold-heartedness and thereby diminish devotional ardor.”[1] But as J.I. Packer pointed out, “rote memorization of catechisms without a lively, interactive relationship of didactic exchange between catechist and catechumens was not… the Reformers’ intent…”[2] Their aim was to change the heart through habit and repetition, but if catechesis doesn’t happen through “lively, interactive” exchanges in the context of loving relationships, familiarity breeds contempt. In these instances, what is memorized will be like an empty train that no longer delivers. It just clatters along but no one pays attention to it anymore. Undeniably, much harm has been done to the reputation of good catechisms by their association with rigid, curmudgeonly proponents.
“I’m concerned about heart, not brand”—Related to the above, some push back on catechesis because their thought is, “My goal is to pass on a heart for God, not indoctrinate my kids into a particular sect of Christianity (i.e. Catholic, Reformed, non-Reformed, etc.).” Given that our journeys are all different (for example, we may have had a bad experience with a certain church or denomination), I sympathize with this view. If this is your position, my only advice is to make sure you’re intentional about whatever you do. For example, if you’re not comfortable with formal catechesis, follow the example of Job who regularly prayed for his kid’s hearts or Jesus who successfully resisted the temptations of the devil through skilled use of memorized Scripture.[3] And this leads us to our final concern…
“Scripture is better”—The idea here is that if you’re going to take the time to memorize something, why not just memorize Scripture? As Deuteronomy 11:18 says, “You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul…”(NRSV) Or as Psalm 119:11 teaches, “I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (ESV) Again, how did Jesus himself resist temptation and defeat Satan? It was through his clearly internalized use of memorized Scripture.
I grew up from the fourth grade on in a Christian school environment. During most of that time, my classmates and I were required to learn three verses a week and one chapter per month. Honestly, it wasn’t too hard because we repeated the three verses out loud several times a day. We did the same with the chapter of Scripture once a day as a group (e.g. Psalm 1, 23, the Beatitudes, etc.). All the memorization was in the King James Version (KJV). Over the course of my life, I’m amazed at how many times scripture stored in my heart has benefited me, and how much I still recall. Isaiah 55:11 says that God’s word will not return void—that is, empty or with no effect. In other words, it will accomplish what God wants it to. But this positive affirmation about the power of God’s word should not be used to disparage the value of classic catechisms as valuable tools that supplement Scripture in passing on the essentials of the Christian faith.
A Personal Confession and Some Guidance
As a pastor and intentional father, I certainly passed a lot of Christian content on to my children, but, especially during certain seasons, I struggled to do this as part of a daily routine. What I did do, however—together with Pam—was prioritize making a heart-to-heart connection and passing on a heart for God. As we discussed earlier, research shows that the most important thing in passing on faith is to prioritize warm, accepting, safe, and enjoyable relationships. Much of my kids’ learning came through simple informal conversations “along the way,” more than formal catechesis or devotional time. Looking back, I think this was the right call. As I’ve previously shared, significant things often happen at insignificant moments. The trick then (besides just making it through some days!) is to prioritize plenty of quality time with your children; the kind that includes lots of hugs and fun—making as much space as possible for both spontaneous and intentional conversations.
How do we do even more of this in our already busy lives? The ministry Axis gives this sage advice:
“When you have downtime, talk; when you’re on the go, talk. Whatever else you’re doing, build conversation into it. It almost sounds too simple, but Deuteronomy 6 says that this is how we pass on the legacy of faith to the next generation.”
And here are some resources that can help strengthen both your formal and informal spiritual conversations with your kids:
- The Ten Commandments, The Beatitudes, or The Lord’s Prayer
- The Apostles Creed, The Heidelberg Catechism, The Westminster Shorter Catechism (WSC), or the New City Catechism. Check out at least what is often referred to as Heidelberg #1, the first question in the Heidelberg Catechism, and the first question of the WSC.
- Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms: A Reader’s Edition compiled by Chad Van Dixhoorn– this is a great “one-stop-shop” and a way to introduce yourself to some of the greatest statements of Christian faith.
- Leading Little Ones to God by Marian Schoolland (ages 4-10)
- The Biggest Bible Story Book– written by Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by Don Clark
- Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu
- The Apostle’s Creed for All God’s Children– text by Ben Myers and Art by Natasha Kennedy (has a coloring book that can be ordered too)
- Training Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Shorter Catechism by Star Meade (11- adult)
- Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Heidelberg Catechism (11-adult)
- Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship compiled by Johnathan Gibson
[1] J.I. Packer and Gary Parrett, Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old–Fashioned Way (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2010), 17.
[2] Ibid., 65.
[3] See Matthew 4:1-11.