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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
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