Why Catechized?

Catechizing is an essential practice in the life of the Church, serving as a prerequisite to the sacrament of confirmation and guiding believers deeper into their Christian walk through instruction rooted in Scripture and tradition.

What is Catechesis?

It is common sense to recognize that instruction is a pivotal part of life. A young child is catechized not to touch a hot stove—whether through experience or verbal instruction—or to look both ways before crossing the street. This concept of catechesis is not foreign to humanity but is the crux of human survival. No one needs to be told not to hug a grizzly bear, even without a personal encounter.

This principle extends beyond the natural realm, as catechesis has deep biblical roots. The word catechesis comes from the Greek κατηχέω, meaning “to teach by word of mouth,” often referring to oral instruction (Strong’s Concordance). Scripture provides clear examples of κατηχέω in action:

• In Luke 1:4, Luke writes to Theophilus “that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught,” using a form of κατηχέω to describe instruction in the traditions of Jesus Christ.
• In Romans 2:18, κατηχέω refers to Jewish instruction in the law, highlighting the importance of deep scriptural knowledge for obedience to God.

Other passages, such as Acts 18:25, 1 Corinthians 14:19, and Galatians 6:6, further demonstrate that catechesis is central to God’s people. It is the normative way humans learn and the scriptural method for growing in faith, equipping believers for godly living.

Why is Catechesis Important?

The importance of catechesis is underscored by both Scripture and observable outcomes. Proverbs 10:17 states, “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray,” emphasizing that instruction keeps believers on the way of life. Similarly, Proverbs 22:6 promises, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This training correlates with lasting faith, as evidenced by a Pew Research Center survey finding that 80% of adults aged 40 or older raised as Christians still identify as such today. While we do not base biblical authority on human research, such data aligns with scriptural promises.

Catechesis is not merely intellectual but stirs devotion, preparing believers to face trials with the resolve of Peter in John 6:68: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” By affirming the core tenets of the faith, catechesis sustains believers through life’s challenges.

A Brave New World: Catechesis in a Technological Age

Catechesis today faces unique challenges in a world shaped by technology. While technology offers blessings—such as air conditioning, cars, personal computers, and instant access to information—it also poses risks. In Aldous Huxley’s 1932 novel A Brave New World, the drug “soma” provides an escape from discomfort, requiring no effort or moral training. Huxley writes:

And if ever, by some unlucky chance, anything unpleasant should somehow happen, why, there’s always soma to give you a holiday from the facts... You can carry at least half your morality about in a bottle.

Technology often serves a similar role, offering escapism through social media, endless video content, or video games. Advertisements like “Do you want to be happy? Come to TikTok” shift happiness from Christ to self-infatuation, undermining spiritual growth. With 30% of internet traffic linked to pornography, technology’s destructive potential is clear.

Technology is not neutral, contrary to common perception. It is not a harmless tool like a foam mallet but a powerful instrument like a chainsaw—capable of great good in skilled hands but disastrous if misused. Technology can facilitate studying Scripture, connecting with loved ones, or learning new skills, but without discernment, it can lead to spiritual deconstruction.

The Mission of Catechized

Recognizing technology’s dual nature, our initiative, Catechized, seeks to provide Christian instruction grounded in Scripture and tradition to foster godliness. We aim to implement the historical practice of catechesis in a contemporary context, using technology redemptively as a tool for spiritual growth while guarding against its destructive potential. Our goal is to equip believers to live godly, incarnational lives in this world until Christ returns or God calls them home.

We pray that through Catechized, you will find insightful instruction to navigate the challenges of modern life and grow in devotion to Christ.