The Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms

Based on the biblical, patristic, and medieval model, which we have barely outlined, the Reformation consistently continued catechesis until it became one of the main pillars of maintaining the Reformation among the people. Practically all particular Protestant churches produced their own confessional documents and their own catechisms (the most important being Luther's Larger and Shorter Catechisms, the Geneva Catechism, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms).

It can be said that the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms represent the culmination of the catechetical documents of the Reformation. From a formal point of view, they are complete: Trinitarian order of the Creed, exposition of Protestant doctrines, the Decalogue and the Lord's Prayer, but also an important section on sacraments and means of grace. The Shorter Catechism follows the same basic structure as the Heidelberg Catechism, while the detailed development of the Larger Catechism simply makes it an unparalleled document.

What uses can these documents have for the church today? First, they provide a common basic knowledge for all church members. Second, they can be used for the catechumenate of those who are to be new members of the Church. Third, they are designed (especially the Shorter Catechism) for the religious instruction of believers' children. Fourth, they provide (particularly the Larger Catechism) a sure means for advanced doctrinal instruction to members of the congregation.

For all these reasons, we cannot but joyfully present this new version of the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms, urging brothers and sisters to discover, learn, and use them in their families and congregations, continually comparing them with the Scriptures to which they constantly refer.

Dr. Jorge Ruiz Ortiz