Category: Catechism

What are Catechisms?

Paul Gibson

The word catechism comes from the Greek word κατηχέω (Katecheo; Strong's G2727), meaning "to instruct" or "to teach". Catechisms are used primarily in reference to teaching Christian doctrine, although they may be used in other contexts.

Κατηχέω is used several times in the Greek New Testament:

  • Luke 1:4 (ESV) - that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught
  • Acts 18:25 (ESV)...

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What are the Criteria for a Book to be Canonical?

Paul Gibson

In my first article on the Biblical Canon, What is the Biblical Canon?, I listed three criteria the early church used to recognize if a book should be considered part of the New Testament canon. The books had to be:

  • Authentic - Based on the experiences of those who knew Jesus
  • Authoritative - Accurately teaching God’s will
  • Inspired - Written by people with guidance of the Holy Sprit

Since then, I've...

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