catechism

A catechism is a manual or book used to instruct Christians in the essential beliefs, morals, and practices of the faith. It is typically presented in a question-and-answer format to aid memory and discussion, especially for children, catechumens, and new believers.

Historically, catechesis developed from the early church catechumenate, in which converts were instructed before baptism. Over time the material was distilled into standardized summaries. In the Catholic Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1992) collects and presents Catholic doctrine for use in instruction, prayer, and liturgy. Protestant traditions also produced catechisms as compact doctrinal summaries, to be memorized and taught in families and churches.

Notable examples include Luther's Small Catechism (1529), the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), and the Westminster Shorter and Larger Catechisms (1647). In Catholic education the Baltimore Catechism (late 19th century) was widely used in parochial schools. These works cover topics such as the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the sacraments.

Today catechisms remain in use across many traditions as part of confirmation programs, religious education, and personal devotion. They are part of a broader catechesis, an ongoing process of teaching and formation, and many communities supplement or replace older catechisms with contemporary materials.