The Banner Podcast

What is the Westminster Shorter Catechism? Who wrote it, and why? How can it help us?

As we begin our journey through the Shorter Catechism, with a view to using it to enrich our Christian lives and equip us to teach others, we need to know a bit about the document itself and how it was shaped. 

In this bonus Westminster Wednesday episode, Dr Chad Van Dixhoorn of Reformed Theological Seminary helps us go 'behind the scenes' at the Westminster Assembly, the historic gathering of Christian ministers who cared so much about the unity of Christ's church in the truth of Christ's word. 

Dr Chad Van Dixhoorn is Professor of Church History and Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina. He is the editor of The Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly, 1643-1652 (Oxford University Press, 2012) and author of Confessing the Faith: A Reader’s Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith (Banner of Truth, 2014). Chad is married to Emily, and they have five children. 

 

N.B. For more on the catechist Thomas Lye and his 'Seven Rules for Catechizing,' see below: 

https://banneroftruth.org/resources/articles/2026/seven-rules-for-catechizing/

Recommended Resources: 

Chad Van Dixhoorn, Confessing the Faith: A Reader's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith

https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/confessing-the-faith/ 

Emily Van Dixhoorn, Confessing the Faith Study Guide

https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/confessing-the-faith-study-guide/

#WestminsterAssembly #WestminsterWednesdays #Catechism

The Shorter Catechism begins with an end—our end, in fact—where ‘end’ means our ultimate purpose or reason for being. 

In the first instalment of Westminster Wednesdays we discuss Question and Answer 1 of the Shorter Catechism: 

 

‘Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.’ 

 

With us to discuss this question and answer is Dr Chad Van Dixhoorn, Professor of Church History and Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina. Chad is the editor of The Minutes and Papers of the Westminster Assembly, 1643-1652 (Oxford University Press, 2012) and author of Confessing the Faith: A Reader’s Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith (Banner of Truth, 2014). 

 

Be sure also to watch or listen to our launch-day bonus episode with Dr Van Dixhoorn: 

https://youtu.be/oKeEJQQaPdw

Recommended Resources: 

Chad Van Dixhoorn, Confessing the Faith: A Reader's Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith

https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/confessing-the-faith/  

Emily Van Dixhoorn, Confessing the Faith Study Guide

https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology/confessing-the-faith-study-guide/ 

Thomas Brooks, An Ark for All God's Noahs in a Gloomy Stormy Day

https://banneroftruth.org/store/christian-living/an-ark-for-all-gods-noahs/ 

Brooks opens up, for the instruction and comfort of the true Christian, what it means to have God himself as our portion. 

 

#WestminsterWednesdays #Catechism #Purpose

This week we complete our reading of Iain H. Murray's article on Spurgeon's departure from the Baptist Union in the 1880s. 

In the final part of the article, Murray notes Spurgeon's response to those who argued he might best serve the interests of orthodoxy by remaining within the Union, in spite of its aberrations. 

 

Featured Resource: 

Iain H. Murray, 'C. H. Spurgeon: The Downgrade and Denominational Loyalties,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 34 (July 1964). 

 

Other Spurgeon-related Episodes: 

C. H. Spurgeon: The Ministry the Churches Need — https://bannerpodcast.podbean.com/e/c-h-spurgeon-the-ministry-the-churches-need/ 

The Forgotten Spurgeon — https://bannerpodcast.podbean.com/e/the-forgotten-spurgeon/ 

Spurgeon's Pastoral Wisdom: Geoff Chang Interview — https://bannerpodcast.podbean.com/e/spurgeons-practical-wisdom-geoff-chang-interview/ 

 

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org 

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine 

Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

As we begin an 80-week journey through the Westminster Shorter Catechism, today we read a segment from Eifion Evans on Christian nurture and its connection with catechesis. 

 

Featured Resource: 

Excerpt from Eifion Evans, 'Christian Nurture,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 82–83 (July–August 1970). 

 

Help us spread the word about Westminster Wednesdays: 

Article: What Can I Expect from Westminster Wednesdays? 

Video: For the Christian who longs to grow...

Video: Calling Christian Parents...

This week's reading continues Iain H. Murray's article on Spurgeon's treatment of the doctrinal 'Downgrade' in the Baptist Union in the 1880s. 

In a context of doctrinal compromise, Spurgeon saw, most clearly, that denominational loyalty is not the same thing as the pursuit of true Christian unity.

 

Featured Resource: 

Iain H. Murray, 'C. H. Spurgeon: The Downgrade and Denominational Loyalties,' Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 34 (July 1964). 

 

Listen to the 'Lost Recording' of Martyn Lloyd-Jones' 1966 address:

https://www.mljtrust.org/blog/evangelical-unity-an-appeal-recording-found/ 

 

Other Spurgeon-related Episodes: 

C. H. Spurgeon: The Ministry the Churches Need — https://bannerpodcast.podbean.com/e/c-h-spurgeon-the-ministry-the-churches-need/ 

The Forgotten Spurgeon — https://bannerpodcast.podbean.com/e/the-forgotten-spurgeon/ 

Spurgeon's Pastoral Wisdom: Geoff Chang Interview — https://bannerpodcast.podbean.com/e/spurgeons-practical-wisdom-geoff-chang-interview/ 

 

Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org 

Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine 

Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast