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The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism
For almost 400 years families have been using The Westminster Shorter Catechism as a guide to understanding the basics of the Christian faith. This new, illustrated edition breathes fresh life into these timeless questions and answers, helping a new generation to learn the primary truths drawn from the Bible and laid out by our fathers in the faith. Ira Miniof’s striking images will help families engage with and meditate on the meaning of each entry.
129 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 30, 2024
A children’s catechism and colorful illustrations! A great resource to help children memorize the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
December 8, 2022
Good idea, but the execution is not so good in my opinion because the illustrations are somewhat scary, tend to be dark in terms of backgrounds, and sometimes show too much for young children. For now I will just stick with the actual text of the Catechism.
May 20, 2023
Nice edition to read/catechise with at the dinner table!
Q1 still the best.
Q1 still the best.
September 30, 2022
There's an ancient Christian practice picked up from the past. It's meant to help kids learn the basics quickly, and in a way that's easy to recall. But it's also intended to shape young minds along the path of learning how to reason. This old practice is called the catechetical method, because it uses a catechism. What's a catechism? Hold tight and I'll explain in the next paragraph. But I mention this because very recently Andrew Green, Saško Nezamutdinov, and Ben Preston have pulled together an updated-language version of the 17th Century Westminster Shorter Catechism. And it's an illustrated version, with beautiful displays by Ira Minof. The 129-page glossy hardback has large print, easy on the eyes, and covers all 107 questions and answers.
A catechism is a systematic program of teaching, by using a question to which the student answers with a set, or programmed, reply. It's just like when you say to the kids, "Okay, if we get separated at the fair, don't panic. Look for a police officer. When they ask you "What are your parents' names" what are you going to tell them?" And they respond. Then, when the nice officer asks, "Do you know your mom's or dad's cell phone number?" And they rattle it off with the characteristic, "Ah, dad. We know all this stuff!". The Westminster Shorter Catechism was crafted in 1647 for just such a purpose. It has been around for 465 years. Sometimes the language causes moderns to stub their toes because the linguistic style feels odd. And it uses words like "Ghost" and "effectual". But the authors of this newer version have worked hard in updating this language to something a 21st Century traveler might feel more familiar with, where ghost, like Holy Ghost, is replace by Holy Spirit. And effectual is changed to effective.
This illustrated version of the Westminster Shorter Catechism is such a warmly colorful edition, with easy-to-read print, that it is ideal for a mom or dad to snuggle with their kids right before bed, and read through it with them regularly. For those who might be disturbed by the idea of "illustrated," fear not. The pictures are very fitting. For example, while dealing with the second commandment about not worshiping God by man-made images and so forth, there's a picture of the golden calf. A good reminder of how God's people broke this commandment quickly.
For people who cut their teeth on the 1647 version of the catechism, they might stumble a bit on the updated language. They might even quibble about the newer words used to replace the older ones. I had a few difficulties with some of the words here and there, too. But all-in-all the authors did a marvelous job, and made this catechism more easily accessible to folk who didn't grow up with a catechism, and especially didn't grow up with the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
Also, at the back of the volume are two sets of helps. The first is a short glossary that covers some 21 words or phrases used in this version of the catechism. The second aid is three pages that list Scriptural support to each of the 107 catechism questions. That's because the original crafters of the catechism, and these modern updaters, know that if the Bible doesn't say it or affirm it, it just isn't right.
All three authors put this version of the catechism together with the hope that it "would help restore a love and appreciation for this old treasure that is the Westminster Shorter Catechism and aid understanding and memorization" (9). Well, honestly, I think they've hit their target! I deeply enjoyed this version of the catechism and I'm sure you will as well. I highly recommend "The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism".
My thanks to Christian Focus Publications. I asked them if I could have a copy to review and they speedily sent me one. They made no demands, nor were any hostages taken for ransom. Therefore, I can happily say that this evaluation is all mine, freely and excitedly given to you, the reader.
A catechism is a systematic program of teaching, by using a question to which the student answers with a set, or programmed, reply. It's just like when you say to the kids, "Okay, if we get separated at the fair, don't panic. Look for a police officer. When they ask you "What are your parents' names" what are you going to tell them?" And they respond. Then, when the nice officer asks, "Do you know your mom's or dad's cell phone number?" And they rattle it off with the characteristic, "Ah, dad. We know all this stuff!". The Westminster Shorter Catechism was crafted in 1647 for just such a purpose. It has been around for 465 years. Sometimes the language causes moderns to stub their toes because the linguistic style feels odd. And it uses words like "Ghost" and "effectual". But the authors of this newer version have worked hard in updating this language to something a 21st Century traveler might feel more familiar with, where ghost, like Holy Ghost, is replace by Holy Spirit. And effectual is changed to effective.
This illustrated version of the Westminster Shorter Catechism is such a warmly colorful edition, with easy-to-read print, that it is ideal for a mom or dad to snuggle with their kids right before bed, and read through it with them regularly. For those who might be disturbed by the idea of "illustrated," fear not. The pictures are very fitting. For example, while dealing with the second commandment about not worshiping God by man-made images and so forth, there's a picture of the golden calf. A good reminder of how God's people broke this commandment quickly.
For people who cut their teeth on the 1647 version of the catechism, they might stumble a bit on the updated language. They might even quibble about the newer words used to replace the older ones. I had a few difficulties with some of the words here and there, too. But all-in-all the authors did a marvelous job, and made this catechism more easily accessible to folk who didn't grow up with a catechism, and especially didn't grow up with the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
Also, at the back of the volume are two sets of helps. The first is a short glossary that covers some 21 words or phrases used in this version of the catechism. The second aid is three pages that list Scriptural support to each of the 107 catechism questions. That's because the original crafters of the catechism, and these modern updaters, know that if the Bible doesn't say it or affirm it, it just isn't right.
All three authors put this version of the catechism together with the hope that it "would help restore a love and appreciation for this old treasure that is the Westminster Shorter Catechism and aid understanding and memorization" (9). Well, honestly, I think they've hit their target! I deeply enjoyed this version of the catechism and I'm sure you will as well. I highly recommend "The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism".
My thanks to Christian Focus Publications. I asked them if I could have a copy to review and they speedily sent me one. They made no demands, nor were any hostages taken for ransom. Therefore, I can happily say that this evaluation is all mine, freely and excitedly given to you, the reader.
November 11, 2022
Modernized version. Bold pleasing illustrations. Includes a glossary and Scripture proofs.
November 1, 2022
How can you keep your kids interested in the catechism? With The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism, Andrew Green, Saško Nezamutdinov and Ben Preston is a beautiful, modern way to teach and learn the Christian faith.
With vibrant illustrations and updated text, this book showcases the treasure of truth in the shorter catechism. The questions are separated into sections for easy reference: Our Faith (Questions 1–38), God’s Law (Questions 39–87), The Means of Grace (Questions 88–99), and The Lord’s Prayer (Questions 100-107).
Striking and Stunning, Calling and Compelling
At 128 pages, this beautiful hardback book is a work of art. Not only will you want to share it with your children, but you will want to show it to your friends and family when they visit your home. It is striking and stunning, calling and compelling your family to read and see.
This book makes a great gift, and it’s to be used – making the text a priority in its poster-like pages. Parents will appreciate a short glossary of practices and concepts used, and an index of Scripture proofs. Use this beautiful book as a tool to teach your children that man’s foremost purpose in life is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
I received a media copy of The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism and this is my honest review.
With vibrant illustrations and updated text, this book showcases the treasure of truth in the shorter catechism. The questions are separated into sections for easy reference: Our Faith (Questions 1–38), God’s Law (Questions 39–87), The Means of Grace (Questions 88–99), and The Lord’s Prayer (Questions 100-107).
Striking and Stunning, Calling and Compelling
At 128 pages, this beautiful hardback book is a work of art. Not only will you want to share it with your children, but you will want to show it to your friends and family when they visit your home. It is striking and stunning, calling and compelling your family to read and see.
This book makes a great gift, and it’s to be used – making the text a priority in its poster-like pages. Parents will appreciate a short glossary of practices and concepts used, and an index of Scripture proofs. Use this beautiful book as a tool to teach your children that man’s foremost purpose in life is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
I received a media copy of The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism and this is my honest review.
March 16, 2023
The illustrations are beautiful and I love the way this book is laid out. We have tried to repeat a lot of the questions with our 9, 7, 5 and 3 year olds and the turn of phrase is still very difficult for them all to understand. They have retained some of the questions and answers, and it has brought up a good number of conversations. A more child friendly version would be good to help them learn and understand what they are saying.
November 22, 2022
Didnt want to break its 5 star rating and it was a pretty book and easy to understand. Also above all I am a holy girl xxx
December 23, 2025
a brilliant adaptation of a the Westminster confession
July 19, 2026
Went through with my three kids last year. Very beautifully illustrated and book of the shorter catechism. We will be revisiting this book soon. A great pedagogical tool.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews