I wholeheartedly agree, Dr. Watson. I was raised in the confessional Lutheran tradition, and Luther’s Small Catechism was a non-optional part of it. My only regret is that while learning orthodox doctrine was a large part of my spiritual formation, the proper emphasis on living it out was somewhat lacking. Just knowing the basic doctrines of the Christian faith isn’t enough. Like someone once said, “ Faith without works is dead”.
Thank you for sharing this with us. Indeed, I have always been grateful for your thoughts and writing projects. And I look forward to reading this book and appreciating the words of the late Billy Abraham, such a gift to the church. Thank you Lord, for Billy’s life that in your love will never end. May your blessings and favor be upon David and his family and this incredibly important work of formation of the saints in the training of vital piety and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
I have pre-ordered the book. I suspect it is so difficult to make reproducing disciples because, as a Christian community, we are weak in basic doctrine and biblical literacy. Until we have a stronger foundation in those areas, progress in making disciple makers (through the power of the Holy Spirit) will continue to be slow.
Thank you for this, Dr. Watson. I read the original book in licensing school in my former conference (our theology instructor was thoroughly orthodox) before I began my seminary education and I loved it! I still consider it a valuable resource!
I used “Key United Methodist Beliefs” in a confirmation class one year. Then I loaned the book to a candidate for ministry working on her theology paper. I was reappointed and never got the book back. I will be purchasing the new book.
Good word. Do you think that we should catechize before baptism like the later early church did, or do you feel that something like confirmation is a better route? I came from a small, tight knit church where I knew basic Christian doctrine from the time I could remember (I remember trying to explain entire sanctification to a classmate in about the 4th grade.. didn’t go well). We overemphasized the basics, so it was a culture shock to me to come into a larger church context and find out that many people have no idea what’s going on. I’m trying to figure out how this could look in a church of about 200 people.
Overall, this is very good. One statement stood out for me though, and that was that preaching is to proclaim the gospel. I think that is too limiting. Preaching to the body of Christ also means opening the scripture to them and doing the exact kind of teaching you’re talking about but perhaps in a different way than one would do in a class. It can also be exhorting people to life in Christ.
Folks, the original post said the release date was May 5. We are now releasing in June. My mistake.
I wholeheartedly agree, Dr. Watson. I was raised in the confessional Lutheran tradition, and Luther’s Small Catechism was a non-optional part of it. My only regret is that while learning orthodox doctrine was a large part of my spiritual formation, the proper emphasis on living it out was somewhat lacking. Just knowing the basic doctrines of the Christian faith isn’t enough. Like someone once said, “ Faith without works is dead”.
Thank you David … this a perfect addition to my bookshelf of must read immediately. God bless your ministry,
Thank you for sharing this with us. Indeed, I have always been grateful for your thoughts and writing projects. And I look forward to reading this book and appreciating the words of the late Billy Abraham, such a gift to the church. Thank you Lord, for Billy’s life that in your love will never end. May your blessings and favor be upon David and his family and this incredibly important work of formation of the saints in the training of vital piety and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
I have pre-ordered the book. I suspect it is so difficult to make reproducing disciples because, as a Christian community, we are weak in basic doctrine and biblical literacy. Until we have a stronger foundation in those areas, progress in making disciple makers (through the power of the Holy Spirit) will continue to be slow.
Thank you for this, Dr. Watson. I read the original book in licensing school in my former conference (our theology instructor was thoroughly orthodox) before I began my seminary education and I loved it! I still consider it a valuable resource!
Lovely! I am very glad to hear it. Let me just update my acquisitions list...
I used “Key United Methodist Beliefs” in a confirmation class one year. Then I loaned the book to a candidate for ministry working on her theology paper. I was reappointed and never got the book back. I will be purchasing the new book.
Good word. Do you think that we should catechize before baptism like the later early church did, or do you feel that something like confirmation is a better route? I came from a small, tight knit church where I knew basic Christian doctrine from the time I could remember (I remember trying to explain entire sanctification to a classmate in about the 4th grade.. didn’t go well). We overemphasized the basics, so it was a culture shock to me to come into a larger church context and find out that many people have no idea what’s going on. I’m trying to figure out how this could look in a church of about 200 people.
I think we can do either, Andrew, as long as it happens. The important thing is that we teach people the faith.
Overall, this is very good. One statement stood out for me though, and that was that preaching is to proclaim the gospel. I think that is too limiting. Preaching to the body of Christ also means opening the scripture to them and doing the exact kind of teaching you’re talking about but perhaps in a different way than one would do in a class. It can also be exhorting people to life in Christ.