Catechism Pt. 2
Catechism has a long history of use in the church, but what was its purpose? Why would Christians spend time daily reciting the same words over and over again? It was for this simple reason: so the church would faithfully endure. Remembering the most fundamental aspects of the faith sustained Christians through an ever-changing world and helped pass that faith to the next generation. While the church upheld divine sovereignty amid suffering, reciting catechism was their response to the doctrine of human responsibility. Christians understood that their faithfulness in obedience did not grant them salvation, but faithful obedience is a means through which God preserves his people.
Ironically, we see catechism every day, except we call it marketing. What happens when you hear “Arby’s: We Have the Meats”; “I’m Lovin’ It!”; “No One Out-Pizzas the Hut!”; “We Are Farmers: Bum Ba Dum Bum Bum Bum Bum”? You could hear it in your head, couldn’t you? Marketing agencies have tapped into the same principle that catechisms use: a familiar question or statement or even just a related word can elicit a forceful response. By nature, we are creatures of habit, and marketers take advantage of our habits by forcing consumers to listen to their jingles during our intake of entertainment.
Like marketing agents, our hope is to make something powerfully memorable through intentional repetition. Instead of selling products, we aim to teach the most life-changing truths that exist, and those truths are the foundation for growing a student into a wise and effective person for the kingdom of God. To do this well, we must build it into the rhythms of the school. The application of catechesis is closely related with liturgy: prescribed patterns of public worship performed on a regular basis. If these two tools are utilized well, you can build any type of culture you desire.
You know this from your own routines as well! Whether you are waking up, making dinner, or going to bed you will typically do the exact same thing in the exact same way. So, the culture of your home is built on these routines (liturgy). In the same way, when you talk with someone at church, or go through bedtime routines with children, you will say the exact same thing in the exact same way (catechism). One of the sayings I use with my children when I discipline them for failing to listen while in a potentially dangerous place or circumstance is, “What is Daddy’s job?” They know that the answer is, “To protect us.” This reminds them of several important things. First, they are reminded that I am not disciplining who they are, but what they are doing. Second, they are reminded that I am disciplining them out of my love for them. Almost as if to ask, “Whose child are you?” with the response being, “I am Daddy’s child.” Thirdly, is that I, as their father, am consistent in my role and that they can put their trust in the belief that Daddy is going to protect them, just as our heavenly Father disciplines and protects us. The catechetical questions of our lives and routines ought to reflect the deep truths by which we are to abide.
You can apply this to any subject or topic. For our school, it may be in Logic, Physical Science, or Geography, but if you want your child to remember the most important thing about doing laundry, the best way you can help them is to stand next to them in the laundry room and come up with a series of questions and answers (catechism) that will reinforce the process (liturgy) of doing laundry! It simply requires some forethought and consistency on your part. “How do I separate dirty clothes?” “I separate dirty clothes into colors and whites.” That sounds incredibly boring and mundane, but you will find that children actually take joy in the knowledge that there is order and structure in what seems to them very adult things to do. Think of this as preparation for internalizing wisdom. When they understand that most of life can be structured in a way that makes sense and is orderly, they not only are excited to join in the work but are confident that they can. Think of ways to apply this in your daily life and see if there isn’t a difference in your child’s demeanor toward desired behaviors. Liturgy bolstered by catechism can be an incredible tool in your toolbelt. Just remember to take it out and use it.
Jake Hilburn
Upper School Teacher
