Wesminster Shorter Catechism 1
I’ve been reading the Westminster Shorter Catechism lately because a church document that was passed out the other week reminded me that I really don’t know much about the Wesminster(s). Can you believe that? I don’t know much about a set of documents that has influenced the development of the more prominant branch of the Reformation (the Presbyterians). Incredible. So I found the WSC on the internet and am proceeding to go through it - on my blog. Oh, am I ever evil.
For those of you who don’t know, a catechism is a set of questions and answers - usually basic - that lay forth a groundwork, usually of a particular theological bent. Even Spurgeon had one.
So to begin:
Q1. What is the chief end of man?
A1. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, [1] and to enjoy him forever.[2]
I love this answer! Personally, it’s a whole lot better place to start a catechism than the Heidelberg. It’s more, “Why am I here?”, whereas the Heidelberg is sort of like, “I’m here, it sucks, where’s my comfort?”.
Don’t you find it interesting, also, that there’s no statement in any of the Heidelberg, Cannons, or the Confession that’s roughly analogous to “enjoy him forever”? It confronts something we tacitly believe: God takes away pleasure. And of course, Piper will hit you with a wet fish for talking or thinking like that; he takes his cues from here.
dan (interested by these ancient texts)
Tags: westminster
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I’m glad you’re going through the Westminster Catechism! I’ve been meaning to educate myself more thoroughly on these matters, but now you’re feeding it to me. And I just felt compelled to mention that this entry has completely erased my disappointment about your previously withheld entry (regarding the will of God). I don’t know what you planned to say, but to me, this says it all. I don’t know why I agonize over God’s will for my life, because I know what it is - and its not daunting: to glorify God, and enjoy him forever. And that’s all that really matters because if we’re seeking the kingdom all “these things” will fall into place.
November 23rd, 2005 at 10:27 pm…my two cents.
Yesss! An elegant linkage of two (apparently) unrelated posts.
dan (by the way… do I know you?)
November 23rd, 2005 at 10:30 pmNope pretty sure we don’t know each other. Is that creepy? BUT in my defense…I know Shan who knows you. Maybe that makes us friends-in-law?
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:01 pmNot really at all. But I do know a girl named Hanna who knows Shana - you might not be that girl - I met her at a St Thomas New Years skate back in the day.
dan (used to get out a whole lot more)
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:04 pmYes its me! That’s the only Boxing Day or New Year’s (confused about the occasion…) skate that I’ve been to.
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:09 pmWell, it’s good to meet you again. Electronic hand-shakes all around!
dan
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:12 pmYa both need to get out more… I’m sick of not seeing any faces I know at confrences, and I still have one more camp tamarak in me… ~jules
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:18 pmConferences = boring places to meet single girls.
I’m not looking for single girls.
I’m a MAGNET for single girls.
dan (does not need conferences… lol…)
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:20 pmOk… someones a little high on himself tonight. ;) Is your self esteem always this high, or do we have scotch to thank?
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:22 pmWell whether or not it’s true… I like to think of it that way. It helps me not to jump off a bridge.
dan (scotchless)
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:24 pmlol… note to self, keep Dan away from bridges.
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:25 pmOr tall people.
dan
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:26 pmgasp! you take that back!!! Julie (freakishly tall)
November 23rd, 2005 at 11:26 pm