Structure and Theological Perspective of Catechism
Presbyterianism, to which The Westminster Shorter Catechism belongs, is a part of the Reformed tradition inside of Protestantism. The Shorter Catechism is structured in the form of short questions and answers that guide the followers of Presbyterianism. The theological perspective of the catechism is multifaceted but boils down to unadulterated trust in God, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and the redeemer, Lord Jesus Christ.
The writing contains little judgment and praises loving God and thy neighbor. Religion has a powerful influence on the lives of its followers and those around them. The display of love and forgiveness in the catechism creates a sense of belonging, which makes me feel positive about it. Love and forgiveness are powerful sources of hope in a world muddled by internal and external conflict, disease, and deception. This doctrine contains the belief that all sins can be redeemed through obedience and fulfillment of the Ten Commandments, and after death, the believers will reunite in glory until the resurrection.
Personal Reflection on Catechism
What Benefits Do Believers Receive from Christ at Death?
Paragraph thirty-seven states that the souls of the believers are bound to become perfect after death and immediately pass into glory (“Shorter Catechism”). The immediate nature of the passage shows that the doctrine does not require additional testing of the followers’ souls after death. I see it as solidifying the all-seeing nature of the higher being and His ultimate trust. He knows and believes His followers have proved their worthiness during their time on earth.
In addition, I view this as an example of the connection between God and His people. The lack of further testing or hindrances proves that God oversees people’s actions and thoughts, making them feel strongly connected to the higher being.
What Is Repentance Unto Life?
The following paragraph that catches my attention explicitly is paragraph eighty-seven, which asks what repentance is unto life. The answer provides guidance that states that a person should reject the sin not only because of the fear of God but also their hatred towards the sin (“Shorter Catechism” para. 87). This shows that the given religion values truth, honesty, and commitment to the service of God. I connect with this idea personally since I believe that a good intention cannot be considered reasonable if it comes from a place of deception. A person should commit to any values honestly because otherwise, there is a high chance that their dishonest ways will push them to repeat the previous sinful acts.
What Is Required in the Ninth Commandment?
The importance of the truth is further emphasized in paragraph seventy-seven. It states that it is necessary to promote and maintain truth among people and not spread misinformation about them (“Shorter Catechism” para. 77). I find this paragraph especially important because the advent of social media and the Internet has provided people with many opportunities to accuse individuals and tear down their reputations falsely. I believe in the prevalence of truth, but that does not mean that society does not have to speak truthfully about others. Given the current socio-political situation, deception and defamation are especially worrisome issues that plague the world.
How Is the Word Made Effectual to Salvation?
The following paragraph that I believe to be of interest is paragraph eighty-nine. This passage poses the question of how the word is made effective for salvation. Here, the text touches on the salvation of those who do not follow the given doctrine. The provided guideline states that through preaching and the spread of God’s word, it is possible to bring sinners (non-believers) to salvation.
I find it especially important that the catechism emphasizes that it is necessary to build people up in holiness and comfort (“Shorter Catechism” para. 89). There is no immediate judgment aimed at the non-believers. The conversion is posed as the notion of salvation. I think that in the era of fear-mongering and judgment, the notion of comforting support is a powerful one.
How Is the Sabbath to Be Sanctified?
I want to discuss the last important part of the text, paragraph number sixty. This part of the text asks how the sabbath is to be sanctified. In this particular case, the sabbath refers to a day of rest. The answer here lies in not partaking in any labor except necessity and mercy (“Shorter Catechism” para. 60). This showcases that while adhering to the respect of God’s word, the religion recognizes that the people might have their needs and provides a safety net for specific cases. For me, it displays a faith that is not blind to its people’s struggles. This religion is willing to empathize with the various circumstances in which its followers might find themselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Westminster Shorter Catechism is a doctrine focused on faith and people’s obedience to God, with truth and forgiveness being its cornerstones. The belief in truth is pronounced not only in being honest with God but also with other people. The text is remarkable in its lack of judgment and prevalence of support towards various individuals. I believe that notions like these might bring peace and balance, which are lacking in today’s world.
Work Cited
“Shorter Catechism.” The Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Web.