Chapel SKC Grade 7 #1

Wednesday 23 July Chapel, SKC, Grade VII #1

By Roy Pangemanan

Introduksi Katekismus Heidelberg/Introduction of Heidelberg Catechism

A catechism is like a theological explanation usually in the format of Question and Answer and is oral teaching. There are many catechisms, one of them is the Heidelberg Catechism. Personally, I already heard about the name Heidelberg Cathechism once but never knew anythung about it until this Wednesday.

Heidelberg is a city in Germany, but at the time it was in the Holy Roman Empire. (The speaker did not say that at the time it was under the Holy Roman Empire, but I added that, he only said that the government was different). The church had just undergone the Reformation and many wanted to know about the Bible, but still needed some direction or explanation. Thus, Frederick III, that governed the area, who was Reformed (Reformed = Sola Scriptura), who was an "elector", commissioned Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus to make a catechism. The Heidelberg Catechism was very soft and friendly, and also is comforting. Ursinus and Caspar were theologians with their own churches and taught in universities. In 1563, the catechism was approved by Heidelberg Synod. However, Ursinus and Caspar sometimes differed in opinions. Ursinus was more "mystical", but Olevianus more objective. This might be why the catechism is friendlier, because it becomes more subjective because of Ursinus but since Olevianus edited it, the catechism is still being "controlled". Basically, God can use people with different perspectives to make something beautiful. 

The Heidelberg Catechism is used to instruct people (children or adults), to guide pastors and teachers, and to make confessional unity. Frederick III wanted to have the new Reformed catechisms be "united" so the faith is strengthened, he thought about how it could benefit the most people, not just benefit Heidelberg and the people governed by him. The catechism is used to instruct people. While everyone should read the Bible, catechism is used to teach those people about it, and is also quite important. 

The Heidelberg catechism was patterned after the Book of  Romans, and is divided into four parts and 129 questions. The first part, the first two questions, is about the ultimate comfort being under Christ. The second part is from question three to eleven and is about suffering and sin. From question 12 to 85 is about the redemption in Christ, the Apostles' Creed, and the two sacraments. From 86 to 129 is the true gratitude for God's deliverance: what should we do after we are saved. 

Reflection: I learned about the unique features, parts, and history of the Heidelberg Catechisn, its functions, etc. I learned we need some guides to learn the Bible and understand it. I learned that God can use people with different perspectives to make something beautiful.

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