A study in catechisms of the reformation and post-reformation periods

Abstract

This thesis outlines the origins and development of religious and philosophical teaching by dialogue and of the Christian tradition of catechetical teaching, and examines the convergence of the two traditions in the sixteenth century dialogue-catechisms, a number of which are summarised to reveal the relationship between them and their distinctive features. The way in which the Reformers and their successors over four centuries have used the form is studied, as is the role which the catechism may have in the contemporary Church. Particular reference is made to the development, teaching and revision of the Catechisms of the Book of Common Prayer. The second section examines the varied expressions of certain key doctrinal features of the Reformation catechisms and the development of those features in catechisms produced since that period. This is divided into three headings, following the most common structural divisions of the Apostles' Creed found in the catechisms. "God the Father" includes man's relationship with God, election, sin, the law and the divine word. "God the Son" includes the Person and work of Christ, the eucharistic presence, salvation, faith, works and the Lord's Prayer. "God the Holy Spirit" includes not only the doctrine of the Spirit in the baptismal covenant, obedience to the law and the nature of sacraments, but also the final articles of the Creed dealing with eternal life. An historic table, showing the principal influences which can be discerned between the catechisms selected and a comparative table of the contents of seven of the most important catechisms are appended.