2. Catechismal Christianity Are the people of God being destroyed for a lack of knowledge?

3. What is a “Catechism”? Oral instruction A manual for catechizing; specifically: a summary of religious doctrine often in the form of questions and answers A set of formal questions put as a test Something resembling a catechism especially in being a rote response or formulaic statement

4. Three Types of Catechisms Salvation Catechisms –5-step plan of salvation (Hear-Belief-Confess-Repent-Baptism) –“Baptism Only” – if not in word, then in practice Church Catechisms –3 works of the church (Evangelism-Edification-Benevolence) –5 acts of worship (Sing-Pray-Study-Lord’s Supper-Contribution) Doctrinal Catechisms –Christian motto (Faith-Unity; Opinion-Liberty; All Things-Love) –MDR (one man, one woman for life with one exception) –“Missionary Societies” are wrong

5. Catechisms’ Slippery Slope Catechisms become creeds –The Pharisees were condemned for their creeds – Matt. 15:1-9 Their creeds often undermined the Word How many of our catechisms do likewise? –Christians must speak as oracles of God – 1 Pet. 4:11 We must learn to emphasize God’s word, not our synopses We must learn to quote Scripture, then explain the passage

6. Catechisms’ Slippery Slope Catechisms breed spiritual weakness –Spiritual strength starts with depth of knowledge and ends with the application of that knowledge – 1 Pet. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14 –Dangers arise when watered down summaries replace solid, meaty, deep and principled teaching No depth of understanding among the general populace of God’s people – cf. Eph. 4:14 The bar of faithfulness (Rom. 10:17) is lowered by the mean knowledge of God’s people

7. Catechisms’ Slippery Slope Catechisms create the wrong perception about the church of Christ –Misplaced emphases lead to misunderstood positions and doctrine… What happens when we emphasize baptism? What happens when we emphasize acapella singing? What happens when we emphasize evangelism? What happens when we emphasize certain doctrines over others? –We must be careful not strain out the gnats, while swallowing camels! – Matt. 23:23-24

8. Catechisms’ Slippery Slope Catechisms eliminate the struggle of learning –Christians cannot be lazy students of God’s word – 2 Tim. 2:15; Phil. 2:12 – cf. Acts 17:10-11; Matt. 7:24-29 –The struggle of learning goes beyond the textbook… The principles and expectations are set forth in Scripture The lesson can only be learned by practice Consider the caterpillar

9. Catechisms’ Slippery Slope Catechisms stifle healthy, beneficial study and discussion –A spiritually stifling and overbearing environment cultivates stagnation and error… Apathy and indifference to all but catechisms will produce spiritual stagnation on other key elements of the faith – cf. Rev. 3:1-6 Catechisms are often not open to honest investigation, making them perfect hideouts for error – John 3:20-21 –Debate and examination are beneficial… Properly engaged debate can lead to deeper understanding and clarification – Acts 15 Examination of doctrines and convictions is not only good, but commanded – 1 John 4:1; Rom. 12:9

10. Catechisms’ Slippery Slope Catechisms produce an unhealthy reliance upon traditions –Not all traditions are bad, but not all traditions are good – 2 Thess. 2:15; 1 Cor. 11:2; Matt. 15:6 What about our assembly times? What about the order of worship? –Some traditions become doctrine, to the abhorrence of all other lawful and perhaps more expedient means… Commonly seen in evangelism – Mark 16:15; Matt. 28:19-20 Also seen in other collective acts of worship and work

11. Final Thoughts… Are we going backward, instead of forward? –Not a sign of growth, but decay – 2 Pet. 3:18 –Not indicative of work, but laziness – Phil. 2:12 –Not typical of diligence, but indigence – 2 Tim. 2:15 All denominations suffer from taking the catechismal road… –Might be able to maintain strict adherence to catechisms –Fail to truly save souls when they are not based in truth – John 8:31-32