Jon D. Payne

Of all the catechisms that emerged during the early Reformation, from the time of Luther's 95 Theses through the Westminster Assembly, there were just a few that were written with such clarity and biblical truthfulness that they remain relevant today. Of these, it is my opinion, and that of the authors of this collection of essays, that primacy of place belongs to the Heidelberg Catechism, written by Caspar Olevianus and Zacharias Ursinus, and published by Elector Frederick III in 1563.

In this volume Payne and Heck have gathered fourteen essays reflecting on the Heidelberg Catechism in its initial context and also its continued application to the church today. The essays are in four groups: History and Background of the Heidelberg Catechism; The Heidelberg Catechism and the Means of Grace; Christian Doctrine and the Heidelberg Catechism; and The Heidelberg Catechism as Catechetical Tool.

The essays are all first-rate, being both thorough and practical. As a pastor I felt the entire section on the means of grace was outstanding, as well as the writing by Mark Jones on Christology and Daniel Hyde related to the Spirit-filled nature of this catechism.

The Heidelberg Catechism was initially written as a means of teaching basic, biblically-sound Christian beliefs to a culture that was awash in a hodge-podge of spiritual beliefs. Our day is no different and these essays will help any pastor or teacher to understand and teach the Heidelberg Catechism today.… (mais)