Abstract

VERBOOM, Willem. Five pearls in the Heidelberg Catechism. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2013, vol.47, n.2, pp.1-8. ISSN 2305-0853.

This article features five 'pearls' from the Heidelberg Catechism. Each one reflects a unique side to this textbook of faith. First, we see how the Heidelberg Catechism teaches children to live as baptised people. Then its christological concentration is shown, followed by its distinction between a 'true' [waar] and 'sincere' [oprecht] faith. Fourthly, more than 200 expressions that deal with the total and radical nature of having a relationship with God are explored. The final 'pearl' concerns prayer. Looking at the whole, we note that even after 450 years the Heidelberg Catechism remains of immense value as textbook for church and faith practice.

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