Anglican Catechism- Introduction

As Anglicans and others consider Anglican identity, it seems to me that a key expression must always be a catechism. Catechesis or instruction goes back to the beginnings of the biblical tradition. Such instruction is, to give one Old Testament example, cited in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. "Hear, O Israel..." Basic instruction permeates the New Testament and abounds in the ancient Church Fathers. It continued in the Middle Ages, although in many times and places the quality of the instruction was poor.

During the Renaissance and Reformation, there was a renewal of interest in sound basic instruction among Christians of differing perspectives. Many of them used the question-and-answer format that people have often come to associate with catechisms. Martin Luther in particular produced two Catechisms: a longer one as a basic theology manual for pastors and teachers, and a shorter one for the instruction of ordinary Christian children and adults. So it is not surprising that shortly after Henry's break with Rome Anglicans produced several basic forms of instruction. The Bishops' Book (1537) and The King's Book (1543) both contained sections on the Creed and the Commandments.

Thomas Cranmer produced a very short Catechism which was included with the Confirmation rite of the 1549 Book of Common Prayer. This simple instruction is on the Creed, the Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer. Later, two Deans of St. Paul's Cathedral, Nowell and Overall, worked on expanded Catechisms and some of their material on the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper was included in the 1604 revision of the BCP. With a few modifications, this brief Anglican Catechism has remained the same over the centuries. Some people have continued to call for further additions, and these tendencies have been seen in newer catechisms and instructional works among some Anglicans.

While recognizing that Christians may want and need more instruction, I have always admired the relative simplicity and brevity of the traditional Anglican Catechism. It focuses on the core material of Christian teaching in a way that most people can remember over a long period of time. While some phrases may need commentary or modification for contemporary English-speakers, people still need to learn the Creed, the Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and basic concepts about the two gospel Sacraments.