Need help with The Structure of the Heidelberg Catechism

[lands21]

Looking for anythoughts or observations on why it is structured the way it is, and the importance of it.

Thanks!

 

[Philip]

Do you have a link?

 

[Ioustinos]

Looking for anythoughts or observations on why it is structured the way it is, and the importance of it.

Thanks!

Hi Jeff

The Heidelburg Catechism is usually divided in three major parts and the point of each individual part is: Part (1) Guilt, Part (2) Grace, Part (3) Gratitude.


That is about all I know about the structure but these links might be helpful:

http://www.modernreformation.org/mr93/marapr/mr9302heidelberg.html

http://public.csusm.edu/public/guests/rsclark/hcpart1.html


God Bless

Jesaiah

 

[lands21]

Here is a link to the HC.

http://www.reformed.org/documents/heidelberg.html

Thanks!!

 

[Covenant Heart]

It is an interesting question. I'm just not sure how much detail you want for an answer. On one hand, one could cite the Catechism's own answer--Lord's Day 1, Q&A2 explains what we need to know to live and die in the joy of this comfort. We need to know our misery (guilt) how we are set free from that (grace) and how we are to be thankful to God for that (gratitude).

Of course, roughly the first half of the catechism is an exposition of the Apostles' Creed. It discusses the church (and therefore the sacraments). It expounds the 10 commandments (as a guide to grateful living) and then the Disciple's prayer (more commonly called the Lord's Prayer) with prayer being the larger part of our gratitude.

The Heidelberger is a beautiful statement that has served us well for nearly 450 years. May God bless you as you in your own time seek out the wisdom of it for your own life. Blessings!

Covenant Heart

 

[lands21]

Hello,

Thanks for your response Covenant Heart, the reason why I am asking is because i have a paper on the subject due for my church (a course I am taking with my Pastor).

 

[Covenant Heart]

Cheating, huh? Only kidding! I'm glad that you're studying the Catechism!

As you likely know, the word "perspective" is an important one in reformed circles. I like the "perspective" that in the Apostles' creed is a summary of our faith (note Lord's Day 7, Q&A 22), that God's law sums his requirments of us (LD 2, Q&A4; cf. LD's 34-44), and that prayer is the greater part of our thankfulness to God (LD 45, Q&A 116), and that the Disciples' prayer sums all that we are ask of God (LD 45, Q&A 118). Blessings!

Covenant Heart