The catechism question that my wife and I are working on with our sons has become vitally important today. Frankly, the fact that we’re teaching them a truth that lays the groundwork for something that is now counter-cultural is a bit overwhelming. But as parents we have a choice: do we teach truth to our children or do we stick to the easy stuff? Here it is:
Q: How and why did God create us?
A: God created us male and female in his own image to glorify him.
Why is this so counter-cultural? First, it’s becoming increasingly taboo to distinguish between male and female. A host of implications comes from this distinction: gender identity, traditional marriage, marital roles, etc. All of these things have lost traction as being healthy aspects of relationships. Second, because we’re made for someone else. We are made to serve and glorify our creator. That alone makes the self-proclaimed autonomous man cringe.
Q: What is our only hope in life and death?
A: That we are not our own, but we belong to God.
Q: Who is God?
A: God is the creator of everyone and everything.
These are the questions that Brooke and I have been working on with our sons. There are Fifty-two of them so they fit easily into a schedule of memorizing one per week. Granted, we’re only two questions in, but I believe they have already begun to help our sons understand and meditate on Biblical truths. In fact, my oldest, Luke, committed his life to Christ just last week and I believe that God has used these truths to draw him to himself. These short questions and answers have made it easy to open conversations with them about God, who He is, and what He has done for us. They are part of the New City Catechism and if you’re looking for something you can work on together as a family, you should give it a try. Here is a sample of what you can expect:
Let me know what you think, and as we progress through this journey as a family, I’ll be sure to let you know how it’s going.
Have a Few Words 