I really resonated with the idea that an embrace of catechesis begins with an embrace of mother church and her rich accomplishments. The discussion on the divorce between the emotional and the rational—or the relational and the propositional—was especially insightful. It helped me understand why I was in a particular place in my life and shed light on why so many people today feel disconnected from a deeper, more integrated faith. I was particularly struck by the segment describing how, over time, discipleship in many evangelical circles has shifted into a moralistic “don’t do this, do that” approach, epitomized by the WWJD movement, which sidelines the contemplative depth and true communion with Jesus.
Another point that seems obvious now—but one I had never fully considered—is that (generalizing here) modern discipleship is largely left up to individual interpretation, lacking the objective, historically rooted framework that has guided the church for centuries. Traditions like the Heidelberg, Westminster, or New City catechisms, all inspired by the spirit of Deuteronomy 6, provide that foundation. Reflecting on my own upbringing, I remember how my mother dutifully took my brother and me to First Presbyterian of Mesquite from ages 2 to 11. Yet, as I grew older and came to faith in 2017, I found myself questioning why she never taught us about God, prayed with us at home, or spoke the name of Jesus to us. Her response—that she simply did not know how—has had a lasting impact on me and stirred my passion for teaching my children (and other children in the Sunday school traditions I’ve participated in), especially given the challenges of growing up in a broken homes (which is a sad common reality for many).
Now, as a parent of two little girls (ages 1 and 3), I am excited to embrace a different approach. First with the introduction of liturgy into my home through a set of books by Jonathan Gibson. Part of our catechesis at home today involves going through the Westminster Catechism with the girls. Also establishing a family tradition of following the liturgical calendar from the lectionary: we light candles, read scripture, sing hymns, and pray together at the dinner table. (LOL, it’s often a hilarious tussle over who gets to blow out the candles) I keep God’s promise close to my heart that through these efforts, they will come to know and remember His promise to be their God.
Dylan, thanks for your encouraging comment and for supporting the EDM's!
I really resonated with the idea that an embrace of catechesis begins with an embrace of mother church and her rich accomplishments. The discussion on the divorce between the emotional and the rational—or the relational and the propositional—was especially insightful. It helped me understand why I was in a particular place in my life and shed light on why so many people today feel disconnected from a deeper, more integrated faith. I was particularly struck by the segment describing how, over time, discipleship in many evangelical circles has shifted into a moralistic “don’t do this, do that” approach, epitomized by the WWJD movement, which sidelines the contemplative depth and true communion with Jesus.
Another point that seems obvious now—but one I had never fully considered—is that (generalizing here) modern discipleship is largely left up to individual interpretation, lacking the objective, historically rooted framework that has guided the church for centuries. Traditions like the Heidelberg, Westminster, or New City catechisms, all inspired by the spirit of Deuteronomy 6, provide that foundation. Reflecting on my own upbringing, I remember how my mother dutifully took my brother and me to First Presbyterian of Mesquite from ages 2 to 11. Yet, as I grew older and came to faith in 2017, I found myself questioning why she never taught us about God, prayed with us at home, or spoke the name of Jesus to us. Her response—that she simply did not know how—has had a lasting impact on me and stirred my passion for teaching my children (and other children in the Sunday school traditions I’ve participated in), especially given the challenges of growing up in a broken homes (which is a sad common reality for many).
Now, as a parent of two little girls (ages 1 and 3), I am excited to embrace a different approach. First with the introduction of liturgy into my home through a set of books by Jonathan Gibson. Part of our catechesis at home today involves going through the Westminster Catechism with the girls. Also establishing a family tradition of following the liturgical calendar from the lectionary: we light candles, read scripture, sing hymns, and pray together at the dinner table. (LOL, it’s often a hilarious tussle over who gets to blow out the candles) I keep God’s promise close to my heart that through these efforts, they will come to know and remember His promise to be their God.