Catechizing is an essential part of the life of the Church. This essential nature is why the Church places catechizing as a prerequisite to the sacrament of confirmation. Catechizing can be seen as a form of instruction that is given for the sake of pressing believers further into the Christian walk. This is not meant simply for mental exercise but is meant to affirm the core tenants of the faith and stir devotion to Christ. The Proverbs tell us “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray” (10:17). Thus instruction (which will be used interchangeably with catechesis) is meant to keep believers on the way of life. This way, when trials arise, believers will have the same posture as Peter saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
What is Catechesis?
It is common sense to say that instruction is a pivotal part of life. A young child is catechized not to touch the hot stove (whether that be by experience or verbal instruction) or to look both ways before crossing the street. This idea of catechesis is not foreign to humanity but is the very crux of human survival. After all, no one would have to tell their friend not to hug a grizzly bear, even though they have likely never had that personal vicious encounter themselves.
This is not just something strictly natural, however. Catechesis also has deeply formed biblical roots. The word catechesis comes from the Greek word . According to Strong’s Concordance,1 means “to teach by word of mouth” and is often used to talk about oral instruction, teaching, and informing. Here are two examples from Scripture where we see the word being used.
In Luke 1:4, Luke is giving the reason for writing his letter. In that, he states, “That you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” The word for “taught” here in the ESV, is a form of . One could say that Theophilus had been catechized in the traditions of Jesus Christ.
In Romans 2:18, there is another example of being used. This time speaking of Jewish instruction regarding the law. There is no doubt that devout Jews were catechized deeply to know the Hebrew scriptures, as is evident in this passage. This instruction was crucial for obedience to the law of God.
These passages, and others (Acts 18.25; 1 Cor 14.19; Gal 6.6), demonstrate that catechesis, , is central to God’s people. It is the instruction and teaching of Christians toward the end of Godly living. Therefore, catechesis appears to be both the normative way in which humans broadly learn, and also the way Scripture speaks in regard to growing in one’s walk with the Lord.
Why is it important?
The Pew Research Center put out a survey to see the sustainability of Christianity amongst people raised Christian. They concluded that out of adults 40 or older, who were raised Christian, 80% of them would still identify as Christians today.2 We must be careful not to base
the legitimacy of the Bible’s authority on human research. However, it should not surprise us that when Scripture makes a promise, its evidence can be clearly seen.
This promise is made in Proverbs 22:6, which says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”3 This is not only an instruction to parents but also a great promise. The training of a child is correlated with some permanent effect on their lives. Those who are instructed will not depart from it. Clearly there are exceptions to this rule. However, it is no surprise that many children who are raised in a Christian family, still identify as Christian.
A Brave New World!
The challenge is slightly more than one simply of instruction. One must simultaneously put the good in while keeping the bad out. It seems imperative in an article about catechesis, to also highlight the challenges of catechesis in our modern world. The reality is technology has been super helpful to life in the west. It is a blessing to have A/C, cars, personal computers, and nearly spotless data reception. However, these things come with a cost. What exactly does technology have to do with catechesis?
In his 1932 book, A Brave New World Aldous Huxley illustrates this drug called soma. This drug is one of simplicity and ease. Whenever one feels the slightest urge of unpleasantries, they can simply take this drug to ease their feelings. Huxley states the following:
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. And there’s always soma to calm your anger, to reconcile you to your enemies, to make you patient and long-suffering. In the past you could only accomplish these things by making a great effort and after years of hard moral training. Now, you swallow two or three half-gramme tablets, and there you are. Anybody can be virtuous now. You can carry at least half your morality about in a bottle.4
The reality is that technology is often used as a form of escapism, just as soma is. You feel left out? You can always have friends on social media. Feeling bored? There are endless hours of videos to be consumed. Feeling anxious? Take your mind off it with a video game. Is it any wonder that while scrolling on the internet you will read adds that say, “Do you want to be happy, Come to TikTok.” What an utterly demonic statement. It removes true happiness from the person of Christ and places it in a bottomless cesspool of self-infatuation.
The influence of technology is often overlooked. Most people see it is a neutral tool. They treat it like a foam mallet. It could be given to a toddler or an adult, but either way it will not hurt anyone. However, technology is more like a chain saw. A chainsaw is incredible, strong, and powerful. In the right hands it can clear forest, help build houses, and get firewood to keep people warm. However, if a chainsaw is put in the hands of an eight-year-old, everyone better prepare for tragedy. The same is true for technology. It is a great tool that can write/publish books with ease, keep in touch with loved ones, learn skills that would otherwise be inaccessible, or even study God’s word with great tools within arm’s reach. However, if that technology is put in the hands of someone who does not know how to use it, there is little to do to prevent disaster.
The fact that technology is not neutral ought to have serious implication on the way we view it for catechesis. If technology is not used redemptively, the devil will use it destructively. The devil’s destructive use is seen clearly in the fact that 30% of internet traffic is porn.5 When approaching technology, we must be very careful to use it for the ends of furthering our walks in instruction. If we do not, it will be our detriment through deconstruction.
This is precisely why we chose the name Catechized. Our goal with catechized is to provide Christian instructions based off Scripture and tradition for the sake of Godliness. We seek to implement the historical truth of catechesis within our contemporary time, in which technology is present as both a tool and a weapon. We hope and pray that you will find insightful instruction for how to live a Godly, incarnational life in this world until Christ returns or God requires your soul.
