Ask A Christian | Catechism

Welcome to Your Catechism Journey

Discover the Foundations of Faith with Ask A Christian

Begin your catechism journey with Nate Cunningham at Ask A Christian. We explore the essentials of Christian doctrine through a Scripture-based lens, offering catechism lessons for all ages—from K-2 to adults. From the Ten Commandments to the Lord’s Prayer and Apostles’ Creed, our lessons break down what Christians believe and why it matters. Whether you’re a beginner seeking faith foundations or a seasoned believer deepening your spiritual growth, this is your starting point.

At Ask A Christian, we believe knowing what you believe—and why—brings peace. With Jesus and salvation as our foundation, we can relax into God’s Word, learning about the One we follow with joy, not stress. Let’s dive into the catechism together!

What Is a Catechism? A Historical Overview

Origins in the Early Church

The term “catechism” comes from the Greek word katecheo, meaning “to teach orally.” In the first century, early Christians used catechism lessons to instruct new believers in the basics of faith before baptism. Think of the Bereans in Acts 17:11—they studied the Scriptures daily with eagerness, ensuring teachings aligned with God’s Word. This diligent study shaped early Christian education, focusing on core doctrines like the Trinity, salvation, and the Lord’s Prayer.

The Middle Ages and Reformation

By the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church formalized catechisms to teach doctrine systematically, often through question-and-answer formats. The Reformation brought new catechisms, like Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), which aimed to make Christian teachings accessible to all. These resources covered the Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, and sacraments, grounding believers in Scripture-based faith.

Catechism in Modern Evangelicalism

In mainstream Evangelical Protestant denominations, the word “catechism” often takes a backseat to terms like Sunday School, children’s church, or youth group. While these programs aim to educate, they’re not quite the same. Catechism lessons are structured, intentional teachings of Christian doctrine—something Ask A Christian is passionate about reclaiming. We’re not about dusty tomes or ancient rituals; we’re going back to the basics of the Bible, just as the first-century church did.

For the record, catechism isn’t about brainwashing—it’s about building a foundation. Like a coach teaching a team the playbook, it’s repetition with purpose: helping you know and love God’s Word so it sticks when life gets tough.

Catechism: The Word That Freaks People Out (And Why It Shouldn’t)

Unpacking a Misunderstood Term

Let’s be honest—“catechism” sounds like something from a medieval monk’s library, doesn’t it? For many, it conjures images of rote memorization or rigid rules tied to Catholic or Lutheran traditions. But here’s the good news: it’s not their word. It’s ours too. Catechism simply means teaching—a straightforward, no-fuss way to unpack what Christians believe. At Ask A Christian, we’re dusting it off and handing it back to every believer, from the toddler singing ‘Jesus Loves Me’ to the adult wrestling with life’s big questions.

So, if the word feels odd or off-putting, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’re here to show you it’s not about stale rituals; it’s about vibrant, Scripture-based faith for today. Stick with us, and you’ll see why catechism lessons are for everyone.

Catechism Isn’t Indoctrination—It’s a Cheat Sheet for Faith

Good In, Good Out

Here’s a myth worth busting: catechism isn’t about shoving beliefs down your throat. Far from it—it’s a simplified, question-and-answer tool to help you commit God’s truth to memory. Think of it like a cheat sheet for your soul. You already believe in the basics, like God’s love or Jesus’ sacrifice, right? Catechism lessons take what you know and give you clear, biblically accurate ways to express it. It’s not about force-feeding; it’s about fortifying your faith so you can share it with confidence.

For example, if someone asks about sin, you might say, ‘It’s our rebellion against God, but Jesus took the penalty for it on the cross.’ That’s catechism at work—simple, solid, and straight from Scripture. Good in, good out—that’s the goal.

Why Catechism Lessons Beat Winging It

A Safety Net for Real-Life Moments

Ever tried explaining salvation to a friend and stumbled over your words? Or maybe your kid asked, ‘Why do we pray?’ and you drew a blank. We’ve all been there. Catechism lessons are your safety net. They don’t replace Scripture—they pull its truths into bite-sized pieces you can carry with you. At Ask A Christian, we’re not trying to churn out scholars (though TheoNerds, we’ve got your back!). We’re here to equip disciples who can say, ‘Here’s what I believe, and here’s why,’ with clarity and love.

Imagine this: your coworker asks, ‘What’s the big deal about Jesus?’ With catechism, you’ve got an answer ready—not a sermon, just a steady, Scripture-based response. That’s why these lessons matter—they’re practical faith for real life.

Catechism Lessons: Your Toolkit for Everyday Faith

Equipping You for the Unexpected

Catechism lessons aren’t just for Sunday—they’re your go-to toolkit for life’s curveballs. Whether it’s a friend asking, ‘Why believe in God?’ or a quiet moment needing prayer, these lessons give you Scripture-based answers that stick. At Ask A Christian, we’re all about making faith practical. Check out our blog for more insights on living out your beliefs, like how the Bereans checked everything against Scripture (Acts 17:11). It’s not about being a know-it-all; it’s about being ready with love and truth.

Think of catechism as your spiritual Swiss Army knife—small, simple, but oh-so-useful. From explaining salvation to teaching your kids God’s love, these lessons streamline the big stuff into everyday wins. That’s discipleship in action, and it’s why we’re here to help you carry it out.

For instance, picture your kid asking, ‘Who’s the Holy Spirit?’ Without catechism, you might fumble. With it, you’ve got, ‘He’s God’s presence with us, guiding and comforting—John 14:26.’ Simple, true, and ready to share.

Reclaiming Catechism for Today’s Believers

Not Just a Catholic or Lutheran Tradition

Catechism isn’t exclusive to Catholic or Lutheran traditions—they don’t have a monopoly on it! If ‘catechism’ sounds like a stuffy word reserved for stained-glass sanctuaries, think again. At Ask A Christian, we’re taking it back to mean what it always has: teaching the essentials of Christian faith. Our catechism lessons for kids (grades K-2, 3-5), teens (grades 9-12), and adults focus on Scripture, not tradition. We explore questions like “Who is God?” and “What is sin?” with clarity, rooted in the Bible’s timeless truths.

Following the Bereans’ Example

The Bereans set a high standard for us. Acts 17:11 tells us they “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” This wasn’t a casual glance—they dug deep, ensuring their faith was grounded. At Ask A Christian, our catechism lessons encourage this same diligence, helping you know Jesus more deeply through Scripture-based teachings.

The Trinity, Sin, and More: Catechism’s Greatest Hits

Big Truths, Simple Words

Catechism tackles the big stuff—like the Trinity, sin, salvation, and prayer—with answers you can trust. Take the Trinity: it’s not a puzzle to solve with a theology degree; it’s a truth to embrace with faith. Our lessons put it this way: ‘God is one in essence, three in persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each fully God, revealed across Scripture.’ Or consider sin: ‘It’s our turning away from God, but Jesus paid its price in full.’ These aren’t guesses—they’re straight from the Bible, simplified for every age.

Whether you’re 5 or 95, catechism lessons help you grasp the ‘what’ and ‘why’ of your faith. They’re not shortcuts around Scripture; they’re signposts pointing you deeper into it.

Consider prayer: catechism teaches us the Lord’s Prayer isn’t just words to recite—it’s a model for talking to God. ‘Our Father in heaven’ reminds us He’s near, while ‘forgive us our debts’ points to His mercy. A 5-year-old can learn it, and an adult can unpack it for a lifetime—Matthew 6:9-13 backs it up. That’s catechism doing its job: making deep truths stick.

Catechism Lessons in Action: Real Stories, Real Faith

Catechism lessons aren’t just theory—they change lives. Imagine a mom using our K-2 lessons to teach her son ‘God made me’—suddenly, he’s beaming with purpose. Or a teen in our 9-12 group explaining to a friend, ‘Jesus is God’s Son who saves us,’ thanks to a clear answer from catechism. At Ask A Christian, we’ve seen this firsthand: believers of all ages growing bolder in faith because they know what they believe. It’s not about head knowledge; it’s about heart transformation—rooted in Scripture like Colossians 2:6-7, ‘rooted and built up in Him.’

Your Questions, Answered: Catechism FAQs

Still wondering about catechism? Let’s tackle some common questions. ‘Is it just for kids?’ Nope—it’s for everyone; our adult lessons dive as deep as you want. ‘Does it replace Bible study?’ Not at all—it’s a guide to help you navigate Scripture, not a substitute. ‘Why not just read the Bible?’ You should! Catechism lessons organize its truths so you’re ready when life throws curveballs—like when a coworker asks, ‘Why the cross?’ These are tools for 2025 believers, built on the Bible’s firm foundation.

Why Study Catechism Lessons with Ask A Christian?

Grow in Faith and Understanding

Studying catechism lessons is your path to knowing God more deeply through structured Christian teachings. Curious about baptism, salvation, or the Apostles’ Creed? Contact Nate Cunningham for answers. Join live Clubhouse faith talks—open to all—or watch catechism videos on YouTube for spiritual growth at any age.

A Hand Up, Not a Cudgel

At Ask A Christian, we don’t study to wield knowledge as a weapon. Our catechism lessons are about extending a hand to lift others up, sharing the gospel with love. With Jesus as our foundation, we can ease into learning without stress, growing in faith to better serve the One we follow.

Catechism and Grace: Sharing Truth Without the Fight

Here’s a secret: catechism lessons aren’t just for you—they’re for sharing Christ with others, gently. We’re not about winning arguments; we’re about winning hearts. Our Graceful Disagreement guide pairs perfectly with catechism, showing you how to speak truth in love. Colossians 2:6-7 tells us to be ‘rooted and built up in Him’ (read it here), and that’s what these lessons do—ground you so you can lift others up.

Imagine a coffee shop chat where someone asks, ‘Why the cross?’ With catechism, you’ve got a clear, kind answer—not a debate club script. It’s discipleship lessons meets real-world grace, and at Ask A Christian, we’re all in for that combo.

Ask A Christian’s Heart: Discipleship, Not Dusty Books

Faith That Lives and Breathes

Some catechisms feel like a stuffy lecture hall—ours doesn’t. At Ask A Christian, we’re not chasing ivory-tower accolades. We’re about discipleship—helping you follow Jesus and share Him with the world. Picture a parent teaching their kid the Lord’s Prayer, a teen standing firm in their faith at school, or you answering a friend’s tough question with grace. That’s why we do this. It’s not crusty academia; it’s Christ-centered, Bible-driven, and built for 2025’s real-life challenges.

This is the heart of Ask A Christian: taking ancient truths and making them fresh, approachable, and alive. Catechism lessons here aren’t about piling up facts—they’re about equipping you to live out your faith with joy.

We’re not here to impress academics—we’re here to empower you. Whether it’s a quiet moment with your Bible or a bold conversation at the coffee shop, catechism lessons help you carry Christ’s love into the world.

How Catechism Lessons Fit Your Life

Age-Specific Lessons for Every Stage

Our catechism lessons are tailored for every age. For young kids in K-2, we introduce simple truths like prayer and God’s love. In 3-5, children build on those foundations with the Ten Commandments. Tweens in 6-8 explore deeper doctrines, while teens in 9-12 tackle ethical questions. Adults and TheoNerds dive into theology with practical applications.

Practical Faith for Today

These lessons connect ancient truths to 2025’s challenges. Whether you’re a parent teaching your child or an adult seeking clarity on salvation, our catechism resources equip you to live out your faith boldly, just as the early church did.

Catechism: Old School Wisdom for a New School World

Catechism might sound old school, but it’s gold for today’s world. These lessons take ancient truths—like the Lord’s Prayer or the Ten Commandments—and make them fresh for 2025. Our Adult Catechism unpacks this wisdom, while our blog ties it to modern life. The early church lived it out (Acts 17:11), and so can we.

Think of it like this: catechism lessons are timeless tools for a TikTok-paced world. Need hope in chaos? A quick answer on prayer’s got you. Want to share Jesus? It’s right there, biblically accurate and ready to roll. That’s discipleship lessons meeting today’s needs—old school, new school, all good.

Join the Ask A Christian Catechism Community

Learn, Reflect, and Share Together

Join our catechism community to grow in faith and share the gospel with love. With 1 in 4 people groups still unreached (Joshua Project), catechism lessons equip you to live out Christian doctrine. After our live podcast, continue the conversation on our Discord server, where we dive deeper into theology and Scripture, just like the Bereans.

Why Catechism Matters for the Unreached

A Mission Beyond Our Walls

Catechism lessons aren’t just for us—they’re a launchpad for reaching the world. With 1 in 4 people groups still unreached (Joshua Project), knowing what you believe is step one to sharing it. Our Unreached People Groups page dives into this mission, and catechism equips you to join in. It’s not about staying comfy in church; it’s about carrying Christ’s love to the ends of the earth.

Picture this: a clear explanation of salvation from catechism, shared on our Discord community, inspiring someone to pray for the unreached. That’s Scripture-based faith in motion—simple, powerful, and ready for 2025’s challenges.

Connect with Us

Explore more on our homepage or check out other cornerstone content like our Sharing Truth with Love Guide. Ask Nate your toughest faith questions and let’s glorify God through Scripture-based understanding.

Catechism and Core Beliefs: Know Your Foundation

Catechism lessons build on the bedrock of what we believe—think of them as the CliffsNotes to our Statement of Faith. From the Trinity to salvation, these teachings line up with Scripture, giving you a firm grip on the essentials. Acts 17:11’s Bereans didn’t mess around—they checked everything (Bible Gateway), and neither should we.

This isn’t about piling up rules; it’s about rooting your faith in truth. Whether you’re teaching your kid ‘God made everything’ or unpacking sin with a friend, catechism keeps it simple and solid. That’s the Ask A Christian way—discipleship lessons that stick to the Bible’s core.

Join Live on Clubhouse