Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), while only twenty-one years old, edited his Baptist Catechism for his own congregation and introduced it during a sermon entitled, "A Glorious Habitation."
This book contains his 82 questions and answers, as well as the sermon which launched his timeless catechism.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.
Are you looking for a resource to go over with kids about Christianity? This might be a resource for you to consider! I know some reading this review might think “Catechism?” and wonder if this might be Roman Catholic. It is actually Baptist. This Catechism was edited by the Prince of Preacher Charles Spurgeon from a Catechism based upon the Baptist Catechism of 1693. This booklet consists of 82 questions and answers. I used this to go over it with my kids and they enjoyed it. I did explain to them that ultimately we are to go with what the Bible says but we also do appreciate what others learn about what the Bible says whether at our present local church or also in the Past. It was helpful to look up the Scriptural citation in context and discuss the passages that are Scriptural proofs for the answers and doctrines. I was struck at the questions at time being of great depths for my kids (you can’t say this work is shallow) and also its simplicity. I also appreciate that it wasn’t just all doctrinal (and doctrines matter!) but also it has a lot of questions for the Ten Commandments. The biggest thing that I found helpful with these questions and answers is the conversations I have with my kids because of it. I plan to go over other Baptist Catechisms with my kids after this one and this was a good place to start with my elementary school age kids. I used this as a family worship going over one or two questions each time. They were part of my family worship plan in which I would go over the book of Genesis with my girls and days when I was exhausted from all the preparation of studying through Genesis I would use this Catechism. I do recommend this as a resource.
The text presents a series of theological questions that explore fundamental Christian beliefs. It begins by asking about the purpose of humanity and the guidance provided by God to glorify Him. It addresses the nature of God, the concept of the Trinity, and the decrees and providence of God. The text delves into the creation of man, the nature of sin, and the consequences of Adam's transgression, leading to discussions on redemption through Christ. It outlines Christ's roles as prophet, priest, and king, and explains the concepts of justification, adoption, and sanctification. The text also covers the benefits believers receive in life and after death, the fate of the wicked, and the commandments given by God. It emphasizes the importance of faith, repentance, and the means of grace, including the Word, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. Overall, the questions aim to clarify the Christian faith and the believer's relationship with God and His commandments.
The first part of this short book is a quick primer and reminder of the basic and no so basic things a Christian needs to know, study, and communicate. They need to be revisited often, and this little book makes it very easy. At the same time, each of the items can be studied much more deeply if one chose to, using the Scripture proofs as a launch point. As people, we're leaky and forgetful, this is a great tool to manage that; I've realized at my age we will always be leaky and forgetful, and this book is so helpful. Buy it, get copies for your family and friends.
In this catechism, Charles Spurgeon looked to instruct his congregation on the basic doctrines of Christianity. Following to some degree the Westminster Shorter Catechism, Spurgeon takes his readers from God and His word, sin, salvation in Christ, glory, and the Christian life.