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Body & Soul: Reclaiming the Heidelberg Catechism
In this groundbreaking book, theologian, pastor, and popular author M. Craig Barnes reveals the Heidelberg Catechism's true identity. It's not a list of doctrinal questions and answers. It's not a cut-and-dried summary of what Christians believe. It's a deeply personal statement of faith and a surprisingly contemporary guide for everyday life.
You'll find that this 450-year-old confession is a reliable and inspiring companion in a world where faith and doubt coexist. You'll also find comfort in belonging, body and soul, to the triune God.
You'll find that this 450-year-old confession is a reliable and inspiring companion in a world where faith and doubt coexist. You'll also find comfort in belonging, body and soul, to the triune God.
238 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2012
21 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 29, 2025
A decent pastoral explication of the Heidelberg Catechism
April 19, 2013
With a nice mix of historical derivation and modern-day application, M. Craig Barnes brings the faith of the Reformed Christian churches to life and relevance in an eminently readable format. Chapters start with real-world characters in easily recognizable situations, but is the well-trained paralegal any happier than the woman whose boring job offers no satisfaction? Does achieving a vocational dream help with loneliness at the end of the day, or with regrets at life’s close? And will the illusion of our lives being held in our own hands heal or hurt us?
This book’s almost the opposite of a self-help book. If offers great help to the self. It illustrates that help with relatable people and situations. But the help comes from outside, and the messages of a seemingly outdated catechism prove immediately and modernly important. Religion’s not the answer of course, and neither is keeping busy—a task which religion might drive us to—but an inheritance shared with the past and the future, a faith too large to be just my own, and a catechism that's more conversation than list of phrases to be taught and memorized, might point the way.
“The comfort of the gospel is the discovery that our lives do not belong to us,” says the author. Not that God will make things turn out okay, but that everything belongs to him, and he’s not in the habit of losing things or people. Our only hope isn’t our job if this is true, or our child’s success. What’s true matters more than what works for us. And forgiven is a synonym for free.
In a beautiful passage on infant baptism, the author envisages God’s “I love you,” spoken so long before the child grows up into a confirming response of “I love you too.” The tale of two grandmothers balances the beauty of liturgy with the delight of worship. And the progression through creed to commandment and Lord’s prayer is beautifully natural and enticing. By the end of the book I’m thinking I really must read those catechism answers, and obligingly the author has included them. A great book for anyone pondering question of faith, religion, regulations, grace or God, or wondering how to share what really matters, I really enjoyed and highly recommend M. Craig Barnes’ Body and Soul .
Disclosure: I received a free copy for review from the Amazon VINE program.
February 27, 2013
There is not a lot of well-written, thought-provoking, spiritually-refreshing contemporary work done on the Reformed confessions and catechisms. What you typically see are poorly crafted, theologically dry 'expositions' of these priceless documents in order to (1) increase our head knowledge of doctrine, and (2) set 'Reformed' people apart from every other denomination and faction within Christendom. So, often these expositions turn into screeds about how we are not Roman Catholics, pietists, evangelicals, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Baptist, etc. etc. There is a time and a place for those discussions, but the catechisms and confessions are consensus (ecumenical) documents that sought to recover what is essential and vital and radical about the Christian message.
All that to say, I'm very thankful for Craig Barnes' (president of Princeton Seminary) recent treatment on the Heidelberg Catechism. This book exudes pastoral warmth and sensitivity. Barnes does an superb job demonstrating why the HC (among all the confessions that came out of the Reformation) remains the most popular. After an introduction to the HC's theme of comfort, the book is divided into five sections:
Our Misery & Our Mediator (Q&A 2-25)
Our Thorough Salvation (26-52)
The Spirit and the Sacraments (53-85)
The Grateful Life (86-115)
Teach us to Pray (116-129)
The chapters are followed by a printing of the CRC's 1988 translation of the HC.
I think this book along with Kevin DeYoung's recent work on the HC have given the Church a helpful, fresh look at the faith once for all delivered to the saints. This book will make you more deeply understand and appreciate the tradition we've received from our forefathers/mothers in the faith.
All that to say, I'm very thankful for Craig Barnes' (president of Princeton Seminary) recent treatment on the Heidelberg Catechism. This book exudes pastoral warmth and sensitivity. Barnes does an superb job demonstrating why the HC (among all the confessions that came out of the Reformation) remains the most popular. After an introduction to the HC's theme of comfort, the book is divided into five sections:
Our Misery & Our Mediator (Q&A 2-25)
Our Thorough Salvation (26-52)
The Spirit and the Sacraments (53-85)
The Grateful Life (86-115)
Teach us to Pray (116-129)
The chapters are followed by a printing of the CRC's 1988 translation of the HC.
I think this book along with Kevin DeYoung's recent work on the HC have given the Church a helpful, fresh look at the faith once for all delivered to the saints. This book will make you more deeply understand and appreciate the tradition we've received from our forefathers/mothers in the faith.
June 24, 2022
This book beautifully speaks to the concern of Christians who wonder if an emphasis on theology must come at the expense of a true relationship with God. Barnes seems to argue that it is only when we truly understand the character and work of the Trinity that we can respond in the gratitude and love that reflect our right relationship with God.
The Heidelberg Catechism, then, is not simply rote repetition of ancient words. It is the comfort that cries out for us when we know not what to say. Barnes writes beautifully and brings the comfort of our reconciliation with God into dazzling clarity.
The Heidelberg Catechism, then, is not simply rote repetition of ancient words. It is the comfort that cries out for us when we know not what to say. Barnes writes beautifully and brings the comfort of our reconciliation with God into dazzling clarity.
November 30, 2017
This is an easy read that explores what the Heidelberg Catechism means today. Barnes illustrates the pastoral side of the catechism that is grounded in it's first question, "What is your only comfort in life and in death?" The answer, "That I am not my own, but belong--body and soul, in life and in death--to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. "
Read
February 20, 2023A pastorally sensitive reflection on the Heidelberg, focusing on the ways the catechism is practical theology and not simply rote doctrine. Helpful way to reread the catechism with a guide without getting too bogged down in the details.
August 30, 2023
This is a pastoral reflection on the Heidelberg Catechism. It is a good example of how a catechism can influence pastoral ministry. Especially for those who are not used to using catechisms, this work should provoke important reflection.
March 20, 2020
Will definitely want to revisit this book if I ever get to use or teach on the Heidelberg Catechism. It is a great example of pastoral use of the Catechism in explanation and application.
December 3, 2022
Read it in Bible study, not great, pretty boring and was a struggle to get through
July 2, 2013
With a 3,000-mile wide profusion of "church starts" along with older churches in the USA trying to reinvent themselves after a retail consumer model, how timely is this thoughtful, faithful, handbook by Princeton Theological Seminary's President M Craig Barnes! The front part offers real-life applications of the catechism's exposition of scripture, with full text of the Heidelberg Catechism, including scripture references, at the end.
from a decade ago internet conversation:
participant 1: "You can't ask kids to memorize catechism these days--their fragile egos!"
participant 2: "But catechisms are useful for bopping kids over the head!"
participant 3: "How about bopping them over the head with the entire Book of Concord?"
me: "In good UCC style, I'll bop them over the head with the Book of Concord and the Book of Confessions; that'll make a dent!"
Ya think so? Author Barnes explains the inspired genius, power, and place of the church's creeds, confessions, and catechisms; he describes a trio of conversational voices that emerges with: (1) scripture itself; (2) representative(s) of the faith community in the "contemporary context" of the church; (3) the catechism (or the confession or creed that's at hand) as a teacher of the Word. After all, in Churches of Reformation heritage, we affirm those documents as faithful expositions of scripture. Being grounded in the faith our ancestors in every place and time confessed and lived helps free us "...from the anxieties of the self-conscious life." [page 28] Our Holy Spirit-created individual faith "is always the common faith of the church." [page 58] High school age confirmands frequently write their own Statement of Faith, but as Barnes points out, how terrible it would be if some loner stood up in church, and rather than reciting one of the historic creeds or more recent corporate statements of faith, s/he announced, "I believe I will win the lottery this time." Creeds and catechisms shape each of us into the to-die-for faith and practice of two millennia, the trust in the Lordship, in the saving person and work of the crucified, risen, and ascended Jesus Christ, in the "Strong Name" of the Trinity.
Barnes reminds us how Yahweh gave the Ten Commandments to the nascent Israel after they left Egyptian slavery, while they were still journeying to promise-landed freedom. In the Reformation traditions - as well as in most Mainline Protestant and Roman Catholic churches - the assembly gathered around Word and Sacrament on a Sunday or Festival continues its baptized, eucharistic lifestyle when it returns to its weekday / workaday routine. Amidst temptations of idolatrous excesses and (apparently) innocuous diversions out there in the world that sometimes dares profane life and liberty, "the commandments teach us how to keep our freedom." [page 116]
A few years ago I taught Book of Confessions in our Sunday morning Adult Bible Class, welcoming the opportunity to reread and rethink those essentials, if in not much more than basic outline form. And yes, a decade after that conversation, I'm willing to bop a few kids over the head and suggest they learn the content of the Heidelberg, Luther's Small, or another catechism. I am ready to stand at the front, back, side, or any other door of a few nearby "new" and "reinventing" churches trying to ingratiate themselves to church-shopping consumers. Every one of us needs to know the faith we have inherited, the ecumenical creeds all Christian share, the catechisms, and historically-conditioned confessions. What better way to begin than by reading M Craig Barnes easily readable, not very long, yet very convincing Body & Soul: Reclaiming the Heidelberg Catechism?
from a decade ago internet conversation:
participant 1: "You can't ask kids to memorize catechism these days--their fragile egos!"
participant 2: "But catechisms are useful for bopping kids over the head!"
participant 3: "How about bopping them over the head with the entire Book of Concord?"
me: "In good UCC style, I'll bop them over the head with the Book of Concord and the Book of Confessions; that'll make a dent!"
Ya think so? Author Barnes explains the inspired genius, power, and place of the church's creeds, confessions, and catechisms; he describes a trio of conversational voices that emerges with: (1) scripture itself; (2) representative(s) of the faith community in the "contemporary context" of the church; (3) the catechism (or the confession or creed that's at hand) as a teacher of the Word. After all, in Churches of Reformation heritage, we affirm those documents as faithful expositions of scripture. Being grounded in the faith our ancestors in every place and time confessed and lived helps free us "...from the anxieties of the self-conscious life." [page 28] Our Holy Spirit-created individual faith "is always the common faith of the church." [page 58] High school age confirmands frequently write their own Statement of Faith, but as Barnes points out, how terrible it would be if some loner stood up in church, and rather than reciting one of the historic creeds or more recent corporate statements of faith, s/he announced, "I believe I will win the lottery this time." Creeds and catechisms shape each of us into the to-die-for faith and practice of two millennia, the trust in the Lordship, in the saving person and work of the crucified, risen, and ascended Jesus Christ, in the "Strong Name" of the Trinity.
Barnes reminds us how Yahweh gave the Ten Commandments to the nascent Israel after they left Egyptian slavery, while they were still journeying to promise-landed freedom. In the Reformation traditions - as well as in most Mainline Protestant and Roman Catholic churches - the assembly gathered around Word and Sacrament on a Sunday or Festival continues its baptized, eucharistic lifestyle when it returns to its weekday / workaday routine. Amidst temptations of idolatrous excesses and (apparently) innocuous diversions out there in the world that sometimes dares profane life and liberty, "the commandments teach us how to keep our freedom." [page 116]
A few years ago I taught Book of Confessions in our Sunday morning Adult Bible Class, welcoming the opportunity to reread and rethink those essentials, if in not much more than basic outline form. And yes, a decade after that conversation, I'm willing to bop a few kids over the head and suggest they learn the content of the Heidelberg, Luther's Small, or another catechism. I am ready to stand at the front, back, side, or any other door of a few nearby "new" and "reinventing" churches trying to ingratiate themselves to church-shopping consumers. Every one of us needs to know the faith we have inherited, the ecumenical creeds all Christian share, the catechisms, and historically-conditioned confessions. What better way to begin than by reading M Craig Barnes easily readable, not very long, yet very convincing Body & Soul: Reclaiming the Heidelberg Catechism?
August 2, 2013
(The year 2013 is the 450th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism.)
I will read anything by this author. Although some of the material in this book can also be found in his others, in the context of the Heidelberg Catechism and with new insights, it fits well. The book conveys a truth about the Christian faith -- the fact that it is ancient is a strength, not a weakness, and we benefit from history. It is a risk to identify favorite quotes, but I’ll choose a few:
“The Spirit unites ... the whole church throughout history. If my faith ... depends on what we believe the Holy Spirit has been doing for thousands of years, it stands on solid rock.”
"True worship does not try to cram thousands of years of God's providential work with humanity into individual hearts. Rather, it inserts us into God's history ... catches us up in the great biblical drama that began long before us and will certainly outlive us."
"Every idol commands that we sacrifice our freedom and head back to Egypt."
So much more ...
I will read anything by this author. Although some of the material in this book can also be found in his others, in the context of the Heidelberg Catechism and with new insights, it fits well. The book conveys a truth about the Christian faith -- the fact that it is ancient is a strength, not a weakness, and we benefit from history. It is a risk to identify favorite quotes, but I’ll choose a few:
“The Spirit unites ... the whole church throughout history. If my faith ... depends on what we believe the Holy Spirit has been doing for thousands of years, it stands on solid rock.”
"True worship does not try to cram thousands of years of God's providential work with humanity into individual hearts. Rather, it inserts us into God's history ... catches us up in the great biblical drama that began long before us and will certainly outlive us."
"Every idol commands that we sacrifice our freedom and head back to Egypt."
So much more ...
March 24, 2013
This is a wonderful book that brings us back to the original heart of the Heidleberg Catchism....For the longest time those in the Reformed Church have used the Catechism as a brilliant sumary of doctrine, which it certainly is, but Mr. Barnes has open us up to the comfort it teaches and applies to us as we explore it and Holy Scripture. As you read this work not only will Barnes have you nodding your head in agreement, but will also have your heart singing in praise, resting in the one and only comfort...that we belong to the Lord, both in body and soul...life and death.
September 20, 2016
It is not often you find a theological book that a lay person can easily read. Craig Barnes has done an excellent job of making the Catechism understandable for the 21st century! I will be using this book and the accompanying CD in my fall Bible Study! Thank you Craig Barnes for this gift!
February 16, 2015
Strong insights and application into modern life. This is a very informative and useful book for anyone who has an interest into CRC foundations, SYNOD, or the Heidelberg Catecism
Want to read
August 13, 2015Offered by Faith Alive.
April 27, 2017
The 450-year-old Heidelberg Catechism is a catechism for the mind, but especially for the heart.
As Craig Barnes says, imagine God putting his hands on your shoulders, looking you in the eye, and asking, "What is your only comfort in life and in death?"
The answer:
That I am not my own,
but belong--
body and soul,
in life and in death--
to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,
and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.
He also watches over me in such a way
that not a hair can fall from my head
without the will of my Father in heaven:
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him,
Christ, by his Holy Spirit,
assures me of eternal life
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready
from now on to live for him.
Craig Barnes takes us on an overview of the Heidelberg Catechism with a theologian's keenness and a pastor's heart. Outstanding. Highly recommended. This one is on my read-again list.
As Craig Barnes says, imagine God putting his hands on your shoulders, looking you in the eye, and asking, "What is your only comfort in life and in death?"
The answer:
That I am not my own,
but belong--
body and soul,
in life and in death--
to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,
and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.
He also watches over me in such a way
that not a hair can fall from my head
without the will of my Father in heaven:
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him,
Christ, by his Holy Spirit,
assures me of eternal life
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready
from now on to live for him.
Craig Barnes takes us on an overview of the Heidelberg Catechism with a theologian's keenness and a pastor's heart. Outstanding. Highly recommended. This one is on my read-again list.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews