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The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism
by
If there is "nothing new under the sun," perhaps the main task now facing the Western church is not to reinvent or be relevant, but to remember.
The truth of the gospel is still contained within vintage faith statements. Within creeds and catechisms we can have our faith strengthened, our knowledge broadened, and our love for Jesus deepened.
In The Good News We Almost Fo ...more
The truth of the gospel is still contained within vintage faith statements. Within creeds and catechisms we can have our faith strengthened, our knowledge broadened, and our love for Jesus deepened.
In The Good News We Almost Fo ...more
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Paperback, 256 pages
Published
April 1st 2010
by Moody Publishers
(first published 2010)
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Start your review of The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism
Over the course in my life, I have read hundreds of books from various genres. However I would say that I am extremely picky with Christian books, mainly cause they tend to follow the same format. As a Christian I look for something to surprise me or make me question why I believe the things I believe. Not so much to prove me wrong, but to explore different things that I may have not known growing up. Based on the synopsis of this book, I was very intrigued with the title, but even more impresse
...more
An enjoyable commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, which is itself largely a commentary on the Apostles Creed, Ten Commandments, and Lord's Prayer. This book is definitely a book on theology, but it has a very devotional feel and could probably be used as a devotional.
I found some of the chapters uplifting or even awe-inspiring - awe-inspiring because of what they spoke of God, not because of the quality of the writing. (Although that too was fine.) Who could not be moved by the first questio ...more
I found some of the chapters uplifting or even awe-inspiring - awe-inspiring because of what they spoke of God, not because of the quality of the writing. (Although that too was fine.) Who could not be moved by the first questio ...more
My full review can be read at Blogging Theologically:
When I was a kid, the only time I ever heard the word “catechism” was when a friend grumbled about how he couldn’t be wait to be done with it when he was thirteen. I had no idea what a catechism was, but sounded horrible—obviously it was some sort of hellish torture device. So imagine my surprise when I eventually learned that it was a simply a series of questions and answers about the Bible. (In all fairness, I’ve also come to realize that fo ...more
When I was a kid, the only time I ever heard the word “catechism” was when a friend grumbled about how he couldn’t be wait to be done with it when he was thirteen. I had no idea what a catechism was, but sounded horrible—obviously it was some sort of hellish torture device. So imagine my surprise when I eventually learned that it was a simply a series of questions and answers about the Bible. (In all fairness, I’ve also come to realize that fo ...more
Before I say anything else, I must offer a big thanks to Moody Publishing for their patience in waiting for this review. I took my time with this book and read it more as a devotional which incidentally the book is perfectly laid out for. More on that in a moment.
Who would have guessed that a catechism from the 16th century could be anything but dry, propositional and boring? Yet Kevin DeYoung has taken the Heidelberg Catechism and unearthed a treasure that is modern, relevant and even interesti ...more
Who would have guessed that a catechism from the 16th century could be anything but dry, propositional and boring? Yet Kevin DeYoung has taken the Heidelberg Catechism and unearthed a treasure that is modern, relevant and even interesti ...more
A commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism. Concise, uplifting, satisfying. Arranged like the Heidelberg itself into 52 sections (one for each Sunday of the year), this is probably best used as a devotional. DeYoung excels at drawing existential advice from a doctrinal statement.
Chances are pretty good that many people reading this are wondering, What in the world is a catechism? The short answer is that it is a method of teaching Biblical truth in an orderly way. The word "catechize" comes from the Greek word katecheo, which is the word Paul used several times in the New Testament translated "instruct" or "teach" (see for example,
1 Cor. 14:19
,
Gal. 6:6
, and
Acts 18:25
). Typically, a catechism teaches the doctrines held by the church through a series of que
...more
This book works its way through the Heidelberg Catechism one question at a time. I've been using it as a Sunday morning devotional this year, reading one of the 2-3 page long sections each week before church.
DeYoung is one of my favorite theologians--he has a delightful way with words, speaking truth humbly and with pleasing flashes of dry humor. I have appreciated the way he expounds on doctrinal truths in ways that deepen and broaden my understanding, always with the reminder that this is abou ...more
DeYoung is one of my favorite theologians--he has a delightful way with words, speaking truth humbly and with pleasing flashes of dry humor. I have appreciated the way he expounds on doctrinal truths in ways that deepen and broaden my understanding, always with the reminder that this is abou ...more
This is the first book by Kevin DeYoung that I have read. The reason I bought the book was to learn about the Heidleberg Catechism. I had not heard of it. We now belong to a church that is a part of the CRC (Christian Reformed Churches) and it is one of the confessions of faith that helps communicate and remind us of what we believe. I started out reading it by myself and once I asked Dan if I could read some of it to him, we ended up reading it together.
Just a few quotes from the introduction ...more
Just a few quotes from the introduction ...more
Apr 12, 2010
Michaelpatrick Keena
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
christian-theology,
biblical-theology
Oh how beautiful is the Heidelberg Catechism! As a Baptist I am an odd bird, for Baptist are not by nature fans of confessions and catechisms. Though those of us who are Calvinistic in our leanings have an appreciation for them. We see them as handles or summations of the Scriptures. They have no authority other us in themselves; but are beautiful expressions of those doctrines we hold so dear. Do I agree with everything embodied in the Heidelberg? No, neither do agree to everything in the Westm
...more
A very good entry level read on the Heidelberg Catechism. Would be good to use for study in a high school class, with the average church member who does not have a lot of theological background, or a read aloud and discussion for family devotions. DeYoung has good understanding of basic reformed theology. He also has a great concern that his people grow in holiness. Both the theology and the piety are held in balance throughout the book. He keeps the chapters short and to the point, which makes
...more
DeYoung is a great guide through a great Catechism. The Heidelberg Catechism is becoming one of my all-time favorite expressions of theology. It is just brilliant. Even taking one question and answer to read through before turning the lights off at night is a great way to end the day.
If you are not familiar with the catechetical method of learning Christian theology this is a helpful book to get you excited about the HC.
If you are not familiar with the catechetical method of learning Christian theology this is a helpful book to get you excited about the HC.
I’ll admit I cheated and listened to the audio book. But I really enjoyed this book, it’s basically a easily accessible commentary on the Heidelberg catechism. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking into catechisms for the first time specifically the Heidelberg catechism.
The Heidelberg catechism is a doctrinal document that Christians ought to read and benefit from. DeYoung provides an excellent entry-level introduction.
This book is excellent. Question 1 and Question 60 are worth their weight in gold!
Solid and engaging commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism.
Great book. Walks through the Heidelberg catechism and gives great commentary on each question. Highly recommend for personal devotion or just a walk through the Heidelberg.
I liked it fine.
Admittedly, this is a book that explains the Heidelberg Catechism, day-by-day (the catechism is broken down into 52 "days"). I think the best way to start to describe this book is from the Epilogue:
"This has been a book about theology, about knowing theology and loving theology. But if we've really paid attention to the Heidelberg Catechism, this should also be a book about warmhearted experiential faith. In fact, knowing and loving theological truth is what produces the warmhearted experiential ...more
"This has been a book about theology, about knowing theology and loving theology. But if we've really paid attention to the Heidelberg Catechism, this should also be a book about warmhearted experiential faith. In fact, knowing and loving theological truth is what produces the warmhearted experiential ...more
There are very few books in which I have highlighted more words than I have left unmarked, in fact, this may be the only book for which that is the case. I did this, not because DeYoung said anything groundbreaking but, in many ways, because he did not. In The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism Kevin DeYoung goes question by question through this sixteenth century text reiterating over and over the good news of the gospel and the truths of scripture
...more
Apr 17, 2010
Jesse
marked it as to-read
In addition to Kevin DeYoung's great little devotional commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, The Good News We Almost Forgot (Moody), there is also J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett's learned and provocative argument for putting catchesis back at the heart of the church, Grounded in the Gospel (Baker). Taken together, these books are delightful, encouraging, and, for those involved in church leadership, challenging, calling us to revisit old paths in new ways, avoiding both the romantic antiquari
...more
I picked up this book because I really wanted to read the Heidelberg Catechism and this allowed me to read it all plus Kevin's devotional thoughts. In case you didn't know a catechism is a way of teaching theology through questions and answers. The Heidelberg Catechism teaches foundational theology, the Apostles Creed, the 10 commandments, and the Lords prayer. Though I couldn't agree with everything, I did with most, and I commend it as a helpful read.
If you'd like to read this catechism (which ...more
If you'd like to read this catechism (which ...more
If Kevin DeYoung's sermons are anything like his books I would consider a move to Michigan. Being a newcomer to Reformed thinking this is a helpful guide to catechism in general and to the Heidelberg specifically. I read this alongside Sproul's The Prayer of the Lord and The Truth of the Cross and they each complement the others.
...more
What is this book about?
It is a commentary on the Hiedelburg Cachetism.
What is it useful in?
Personal devotions, doctrinal knowledge and, to an extent, apologetics.
When should one read this book?
I suggest breakfast, a chapter a day.
How much of the cachetism do you actually know?
I know the first question and answer of both this and the Westminster.
Are you serious, that's all?
Look, don't judge. ...more
It is a commentary on the Hiedelburg Cachetism.
What is it useful in?
Personal devotions, doctrinal knowledge and, to an extent, apologetics.
When should one read this book?
I suggest breakfast, a chapter a day.
How much of the cachetism do you actually know?
I know the first question and answer of both this and the Westminster.
Are you serious, that's all?
Look, don't judge. ...more
What a gem of a book! This goes through the Heidelberg Catechism each Lord's day for 52 weeks. Each week has several questions and then his commentary or explanation of them. They are short, but packed full. Our family has thoroughly enjoyed reading these and then having very rich discussion afterwards. Kevin DeYoung (URC) tackles this in a practical fashion, not dry and stodgy. Highly recommend.
...more
This was my first time reading the Heidelberg Catechism, a beautiful early Protestant summary of belief. DeYoung's book is divided into 52 meditations on the importance of core Christian doctrines for faithful living. I'm very glad a book like this exists and would recommend it as devotional reading for Protestants who haven't had much exposure to the confessional foundations of their religion.
...more
This work is a nearly perfect help to one's study of the Heidelberg Catechism. The short "devotionals" that go with each week's reading are insightful, on point, and give solid notes on how to apply these great truths. If you are going to take on the Heidelberg, which I highly recommend, you definitely to have this book close.
...more
I simply can't say enough good about this book. It is a fantastic treatment of the Heidelberg Catechism questions, a Catechism that is often neglected. DeYoung provides a thoughtful and practical narrative to accompany each set of questions. We used for our Sunday morning family devotions and all are disappointed that we have finished it. Perhaps, we'll just start all over again...
...more
I guess I didn't read the book description close enough or research the author. I did not realize the book would be Calvinist. It was so much so that I didn't get very far into it before admitting that theological differences were going to keep me from enjoying the book at all.
...more
An excellent and easy read. It can be read like a devotional which is a nice feature. The author works through some basic Christian beliefs in a clear, concise, and yet profound way. Every Christian should get a copy.
I have become a solid Deyoung fan. This exposition of the Heidelberg is concise, deep, relevant and revives this catechism in a way all Christians need. I used this for adult Sunday school this last year and it bore a lot of fruit in our midst. May the Lord lay it on the hearts of man to read it!
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“I’ll forever be grateful to my childhood pastor for making me read the Heidelberg Catechism and meet in his office with him to talk about it before I made a profession of faith in the fourth grade. I was nervous to meet with him, even more nervous to meet before all the elders. But both meetings were pleasant. And besides, I was forced to read through all 129 questions and answers at age nine.That was a blessing I didn’t realize at the time. Ever since then I’ve had a copy of the Catechism and have grown to understand it and cherish it more and more over the years.”
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