Guide

What is a catechism?

A catechism is a summary of Christian teaching written as questions and answers, meant to be learned by heart and talked about. Reformed churches have used catechisms since the Reformation to teach children and new believers what Scripture teaches about God, sin, Christ, the commandments, prayer and the sacraments.

Household Theology Press, a project of Michael Tribett · Last updated November 15, 2026

What does a catechism look like?

A catechism is a set of numbered questions, each with a fixed answer. The questions move in order through the main teachings of Scripture, so a child who learns them all has a map of the Christian faith. The answers are worded carefully and kept the same, so they can be memorized and recited.

Here is the opening of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

And here is the opening of the Catechism for Young Children, written for much younger learners:

Q. 1. Who made you?

A. God.

In practice a parent asks and a child answers. The form is a conversation, which is why it suits a family table.

Where does the word “catechism” come from?

The word comes from a Greek verb, katēcheō, which means to teach by word of mouth. Tom Ascol writes at Ligonier that forms of this verb appear at least seven times in the New Testament, including Luke 1:4 and 1 Corinthians 14:19, and that it “simply means ‘to teach orally.’”

The same article uses the old word “catechumen” for a new convert receiving this instruction before baptism. The family of words is a reminder that catechism was meant to be spoken and heard.

Why do Reformed families use catechisms?

Reformed families use catechisms because they give children a short, accurate summary of what the whole Bible teaches, in words that can be learned young and kept for life. The fixed wording guards against vague ideas. The question form invites conversation. And the Reformed catechisms were written with households in mind.

That last point shows up across the traditions:

• The Heidelberg Catechism, according to the Christian Reformed Church’s introduction, was “intended as a tool for teaching young people,” as well as a guide for preaching.
• The Baptist general assembly that met in London in June 1693 resolved, in the minutes reprinted in Underhill’s 1854 collection, “That a Catechism be drawn up, containing the substance of the Christian religion, for the instruction of children and servants.”
• The Catechism for Young Children was published, as its title page says, as an introduction to the Shorter Catechism.

A catechism does not replace the Bible. Each answer is meant to send you back to Scripture, which is why the Shorter Catechism pages on this site list the Westminster Assembly’s proof references.

Where did catechisms come from?

Question-and-answer teaching is old. Ascol notes that by the middle of the second century churches used it to prepare new converts for baptism. The Reformation brought a fresh wave of catechisms in the 1500s, and Reformed churches kept writing them for later generations.

Some landmarks, each from the source linked:

The guide Westminster Shorter Catechism vs. Heidelberg vs. Baptist Catechism compares the three main Reformed catechisms side by side, including where they differ on baptism.

Should children memorize the answers or understand them?

Children should do both, and the two help each other. Memorized words give a child something solid to think with, and understanding keeps those words from becoming empty sounds. Young children can memorize well before they understand much, so start the words early and let understanding grow alongside them.

The Catechism for Young Children says the same in its 1840 preface, signed “J. P. E.” (Creeds and Confessions): “Endeavor to impress the minds of the dear children with the importance of understanding what they learn. Be not satisfied with the verbal accuracy of their answers.”

A simple pattern keeps both in view:

1. Teach the answer word for word.
2. Explain one word or phrase in it.
3. Ask a question that makes the child use the answer, such as “Who made the dog?” after “Who made you?”

Each question page on this site has a short explanation for parents and family discussion questions for this purpose. The guide How do you help children memorize the catechism? covers the memory side in detail.

How does the Catechism for Young Children lead into the Shorter Catechism?

The Catechism for Young Children was written as a first step toward the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Its title page calls it “an introduction to the Shorter Catechism.” It covers much of the same ground in shorter, simpler answers, so a child who learns it is ready for the fuller wording later.

You can see the connection in the first questions. The Shorter Catechism opens with the purpose of human life. The Catechism for Young Children reaches the same point in its third question:

Q. 3. Why did God make you and all things?

A. For his own glory.

The same pattern holds later on. The young children’s catechism asks what the sacraments are and answers in four words, “Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.” The Shorter Catechism’s question 93 gives the same answer in a full sentence.

A common path, offered as a suggestion and not a rule:

• About ages 3 to 8: the Catechism for Young Children, one question a week, or two for older children.
• From about age 8, or when a child reads well: the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

A child does not need to finish all 145 young children’s questions before starting the Shorter Catechism. You can move up when the short answers become too easy.

Where to go next

• Read the Westminster Shorter Catechism or the Catechism for Young Children online.
• Plan your week with the weekly catechism schedule.
• Find other catechisms and free helps on the resources page.