The Presbyterian Church in America’s Constitution is made up of the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Shorter and Larger Catechisms, and the Book of Church Order. We generally are more familiar with the Confession and Shorter Catechism than we are the Larger Catechism. In many ways, each of the doctrinal documents supplements or compliments each other.

While there are several commentaries on the Shorter Catechism, including an excellent two-volume work by the editor of this volume, G. I. Williamson, there may be only one other on the Larger Catechism. While the Larger Catechism does not teach any different or new doctrine not found in the other documents, it highlights, and amplifies much of what is taught in the others.

In the fine introduction written by Dr. Robert Godfrey of Westminster Theological Seminary, California, he includes a comment from T. F. Torrance, “The Larger Catechism was designed chiefly as a directory for ministers in their teaching of the reformed faith Sunday by Sunday.” What makes our catechisms, both Shorter and Larger so valuable and helpful is the magnificent way in which the Westminster Divines summarize the doctrines of the Christian faith.

It is no wonder that some outstanding reformed theologians have maintained that in some ways, the Larger Catechism is superior to the statements in the Westminster Confession of Faith.

One of our concerns, as we have frequently expressed in the pages of Equip for Ministry, is keeping our beliefs and practices in sync with each other. The Larger Catechism models that in a most helpful way. It is as Godfrey said, one of the great treasures of the church.

Following Godfrey’s helpful introduction, Williamson included an excellent outline of the Westminster Larger Catechism developed by Jeffrey K Boer. The outline makes the materials in the book even more usable. The format is easy to use because each part begins with the catechism question and answer, then related Scriptures, and commentary. The commentary is right to the point and anything but verbose. A lengthy Scriptural index is at the end of the commentary.

This should be in the hands of every teaching elder, ruling elder, Sunday school teacher and Bible study leader. Families could also it to learn more about the Christian faith. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishers and G. I. Williamson have done the church a real favor in making this wealth of material available at a time when people seem to have such an aversion to doctrinal teaching. This volume might change their minds.

- Charles Dunahoo, CEP Coordinator