To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Catechesis is an ancient practice of Christian disciple making that uses a simple question-and-answer format to instruct new believers and church members in the core beliefs of Christianity. To Be a Christian, by J. I. Packer and a team of other Anglican leaders, was written to renew this oft-forgotten tradition for today’s Christians. With over 360 questions and answers, plus Scripture references to support each teaching, this catechism covers the full range of Christian doctrine and life, drawing from the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and other important doctrinal summaries. Clear, concise, and conversational, this resource was written for all believers who seek to be grounded more deeply in the truth of God’s Word.
- Covers the full range of Christian doctrine and life
- Includes Scripture references to support each teaching
- Draws from the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and other important doctrinal summaries
- Part 1: Beginning with Christ
- Part 2: Believing in Christ
- Part 3: Belonging to Christ
- Part 4: Becoming Like Christ
Top Highlights
“Jesus Christ continues to draw sinners to himself. He enables us by his Holy Spirit to turn wholeheartedly from our sinful and self-centered ways (repentance), and to entrust ourselves to him to live in union and communion with him (faith). In spiritual terms, sin is the way of death, and fellowship with Christ is the way of life.” (Page 20)
“Whether or not you were raised in the Church, to be a Christian requires a deliberate, personal commitment to Jesus Christ, much like the commitment a person makes in marriage. Being a Christian is a process of continuing forward in faithfulness to Jesus from that point on. In order to make this commitment to Jesus, you need to know the essentials about who he is and what he has done for you. This is the Gospel (‘good news’) of Jesus Christ.” (Page 19)
“A catechism is ideally to be used in the context of a relationship between the catechist (the discipleship instructor) and the catechumen (the one being instructed) to foster the process of catechesis (disciple-making).” (Page 9)
“Turning to Christ brings us into fellowship with God. Baptism, which is the rite of entry into the Church’s fellowship, marks the beginning of this new life in Christ.” (Page 20)
“To continue to live faithfully as Christians, we must rely upon the power and gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to God’s people.” (Page 21)
With Anglican churches filling with people who know little about orthodox and Anglican thought and practice, we need catechesis more than ever. This catechism will help our churches learn and walk in the beautiful Anglican way of living in the triune God.
—Gerald R. McDermott, Anglican Chair of Divinity and Director of the Institute of Anglican Studies, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; coauthor, The Theology of Jonathan Edwards
To Be a Christian is a Christ-centered catechism that communicates everything a disciple-in-the-making needs to know in order to become theologically literate and begin living out his or her citizenship of the gospel.
—Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; author, The Drama of Doctrine; Hearers and Doers; Biblical Authority after Babel; and Faith Speaking Understanding
Basic Christian instruction has seldom been more necessary than it is today, and this catechism provides a well-rounded foundation for Anglicans who want to acquire a good grasp of their faith and its implications. It will be of great value in parishes and will appeal to young and old alike.
—Gerald Bray, Research Professor of Divinity, History, and Doctrine, Beeson Divinity School; author, God Is Love and God Has Spoken
- Title: To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism
- Editors: J. I. Packer and Joel Scandrett
- Publisher: Crossway
- Publication Date: 2020
- Pages: 160
- Christian Group: Anglican
- Resource Type: Church Documents
- Topic: Catechesis
J. I. Packer (DPhil, Oxford University) serves as the Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology at Regent College. He is the author of numerous books, including the classic best-seller Knowing God. Packer served as general editor for the English Standard Version Bible and as theological editor for the ESV Study Bible.
Joel Scandrett (PhD, Drew University) serves as assistant professor of historical theology and director of the Robert E. Webber Center at Trinity School for Ministry.