Power of Faith: 450 Years of the Heidelberg Catechism
Edited by Karla Apperloo-Boersma and Herman J. Selderhuis
Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Göttingen. 454 pages.
But Why Are You Called a Christian? An Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism
By Magit Ernst-Habib
Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Göttingen. 154 pages.
The 450th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism is being celebrated throughout the world this year. Two books by the German publisher Vanderhoek & Ruprecht are excellent resources to help us better appreciate and understand this important catechism.
The PC(USA) has been focusing on the Heidelberg Catechism for several years. A new, joint translation of the catechism with the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America passed presbyteries and will be voted on at this summer’s General Assembly. The new translation corrects some flaws and adds important biblical references to the catechism for potential inclusion in The Book of Confessions, to replace the current version. So now is an especially good time to study this catechism afresh and have our faith nurtured by its sturdy presentation of the Christian faith, through a Reformed perspective.
“Power of Faith” is a magnificently produced volume of scholarly papers along with over 700 pictures to accompany exhibitions on the Heidelberg Catechism in Heidelberg, Germany and Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. The papers consider the history and theology of the catechism and how the catechism spread with influences on culture, education, church and religion in the 16th century and beyond. This volume enables us to enter that past time and understand the power this catechism had and continues to have as a basic confessional statement of Reformed Christians. The magnificent pictures make this book a real treasure.
The catechism has three major divisions: Misery, Deliverance, and Gratitude. This “triple knowledge” provides what we need to know and experience to live in the joy and comfort described in the famous first question: Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death? A. That I am not my own, but belong — body and soul — to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
Ernst-Habib is an expert theologian who writes accessibly in describing theological issues and also the impact these catechism questions have for Christian living. The Heidelberg’s voice invites us to listen and learn, not only with our minds but also with our hearts. As she writes, “‘Learning by heart’ could have been invented in order to describe the kind of learning the Heidelberg Catechism envisioned, where feelings and intellect are not separated, where the lessons become part of the person’s living and lived knowledge.” This book is a great resource in making the catechism come alive in these ways.
“Power of Faith” is perfect as an addition to church library, a gift for a pastor, and for gaining a panoramic view of the catechism. “But Why Are You Called a Christian?” aids in answering that question and is ideal for group as well as personal study. These two splendid resources on the Heidelberg Catechism bless minds and hearts.
DONALD K. McKIM is of editor of These Days magazine published by Westminster John Knox Press. His recent books include “Living into Lent” and “Coffee with Calvin: Daily Devotions.”
