SEEING it becomes us to endeavour by all means that unity of faith, which is so highly commended by Paul, shine forth among us, to this end chiefly ought the formal profession of faith which accompanies our common baptism to have reference. Hence it were to be wished, not only that a perpetual consent in the doctrine of piety should appear among all, but also that one CATECHISM were common to all the Churches. But as, from many causes, it will scarcely ever obtain otherwise than that each Church shall have its own Catechism, we should not strive too keenly to prevent this; provided, however, that the variety in the mode of teaching is such, that we are all directed to one Christ, in whose truth being united together; we may grow up into one body and one spirit, and with the same mouth also proclaim whatever belongs to the sum of faith. Catechists not intent on this end, besides fatally injuring the Church, by sowing the materials of dissension in religion, also introduce an impious profanation of baptism. For where can any longer be the utility of baptism unless this remain as its foundation - that we all agree in one faith? Wherefore, those who publish Catechisms ought to be the more carefully on their guard, lest, by producing anything rashly, they may not for the present only, but in regard to posterity also, do grievous harm to piety, and inflict a deadly wound on the Church. This much I wished to premise, as a declaration to my readers, that I myself too, as became me, have made it my anxious care not to deliver any thing in this Catechism of mine that is not agreeable to the doctrine received among all the pious. This declaration will not be found vain by those who will read with candour and sound judgment. I trust I have succeeded at least so far that my labour, though it should not satisfy, will be acceptable to all good men, as being in their opinion useful.

John Calvin

from the Dedication of the Catechism of The Church of Geneva

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Beginnings

Being entirely new to this, an atrocious diarist, and lacking time to call spare I may be producing something very short lived. I have a prejudice against anyone and everyone pontificating on subjects beyond their ken, yet here I am joining them. I offer what may follow in coming days (week, months - I hesitate to even think - years, DV) as a collection of thoughts about Christ and Christianity, a notebook of ideas for sermons et al, an agglomeration of writings gleaned from others...and perhaps a few photos and such nonsuch as the Internet affords. 

I chose to call this blog 'Catechism' because I hope it will be just that - a series of questions and answers about the fundamentals of the Christian faith intended to break down and make easily digestible the great revelation we have in the Bible. I hope that the Holy Spirit will guide, that Philippians 4:8 would be my editorial policy, and that this might be useful in some way and not just a primp for my vanity or a sinkhole of procrastination.  

Soli Deo Gloria.  

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