| The Good News We Almost Forgot |
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Kevin DeYoung Kevin DeYoung is one of a younger breed of minster who evidences a call to serve within the “mainline” church and maintain there a faithful witness to Christ. May the Lord increase his tribe in the Reformed Church in America where he serves and throughout the “Mainline”! The Good News We Almost Forgot is a commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism. The catechism was originally published in 1563 in Germany, and it became the most widely embraced catechism of its day. Even the Baptist pastor Hercules Collins adopted a deep water revision of the work for his use in 1680! Since the mid 1500’s, Reformed churches, from which DeYoung’s RCA descended, were required by their canon law to have two services each Lord’s Day (Sunday). The morning sermon expounds a text of Scripture as the pastor preached through a book or section of scripture in lectio continua fashion. The afternoon’s sermon is required to be a message expounding the teaching found in that particular week’s reading from the catechism as indicated by the numbered “Lord’s Days.” The 129 questions and answers of the Heidelberg are segmented into 52 such divisions to allow for systematic annual study. While most Reformed churches have neglected the practice of the “catechism sermon”, DeYoung’s work reflects this time-honored practice. Each chapter begins with one of 52 “Lord’s Day” readings from the catechism in modern translation. The balance of the chapter expounds the chief doctrine within that section of the venerable document in a helpful fashion as faithful Reformed pastors have sought to do for generations. Each chapter is relatively brief, focuses on the main point discussed on the Lord’s Day, and outlines the contemporary importance of the doctrine with devotion and depth. The contents of the catechism are discussed without portraying the document as “infallible” or in any way equal or superior to Scripture. Like the catechism itself, DeYoung handles the controversial topics that emerge in its text in a capable and irenic way, whether he is discussing infant baptism, the relation of the Reformed Lord’s Supper to the Roman Mass, or the modern controversy about how the catechism addresses the issue of homosexuality: For Baptists who have never heard a cogent argument for infant baptism... For Baptists who have never heard a cogent argument for infant baptism, DeYoung does a good job of summarizing the Scriptural basis for the practice. He does so in a way that won’t raise unnecessary “red flags” with today’s evangelicals. In fact, as some might see things, DeYoung may not agitate enough for the doctrine. In fact, this reviewer can’t help but feel that DeYoung’s convictions on the presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper are stronger than his doctrine of Christ’s activity in the waters of baptism. The Reformed branch of the Church has stronger statements on the sacraments which won’t be so easily received among evangelicals generally, however. That’s why still today John Calvin’s descriptions of the sacraments and their instrumentality prove problematic for later Presbyterians like Charles Hodge and his kin! Regarding the catechism’s harsh rejection of Roman Mass in Question 80, DeYoung notes the historic situation that prompted the original rebuke. Like some Reformed theologians, he also takes the position that modern Roman Catholics do not technically fall under the catechism’s condemnation in this area today, at least in theory. He wisely observes that at the level of popular spirituality though, people may indeed engage in the idolatry the catechism warns about. Ever irenic, he only notes this after alluding to modern Roman thinkers who have concluded similar things themselves. For the record, other Reformed thinkers are not so charitable as Rev. DeYoung on this matter of Rome having substantially changed its views on the Mass. Many modern Roman parishes are noted for their “adoration of the sacrament.” In the view of the Heidelberg Catechism, the sacrament is to be consumed, not worshipped. While Christ is present in the sacrament (as DeYoung notes), He has ascended to the right hand of the Father and the benefits of His one sacrifice and communion with Him are made available to us through the Holy Spirit, not through Christ becoming bread and wine literally. On a final issue, the modern homosexual lobby of the mainline church has made much of the fact that the original Heidelberg Catechism’s Answer 87 left out Scripture’s specific mention of homosexuals as those who do not inherit the kingdom of heaven in paraphrasing 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. The “original German” simply has the word “unchaste” to summarize such behavior. In 1963 a pan-Reformed translation body expanded upon the original German and added to the text the words “homosexual perversion” for clarity. Today’s homosexual propaganda is built on the assertion that homosexuality is “chaste”... Today’s homosexual propaganda is built on the assertion that homosexuality is “chaste” which explains that lobby’s brief and momentary interest in a historic confession of faith and their desire to restore the “original German”! DeYoung explains the situation at greater length for the uninitiated. He makes clear why this quibble does not mean the catechism legitimizes homosexuality, as some wish to portray. He might also have added that the catechism was designed for public use and, following Ephesians 5:12, the church authorities recognized “it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret.” Often intensive study of the catechism is deemed necessary only for youth about to be “confirmed.” Increasingly, though, pastors and serious Christians are wondering how to incorporate regular “catechesis” of the whole congregation back into the life of the church. This noble desire usually runs aground for want of practical tools, easily implemented. DeYoung’s book in this area should prove quite helpful to that end in a variety of ways. Though most churches may be hesitant to begin a second service in order to hear a “doctrinal sermon” weekly, incorporating a brief time of catechesis for a few minutes prior to worship may work well. DeYoung’s work could be the tool pastors use to help people make the transition from chatter to church by focusing their minds on eternal things. Alternatively, this book would be an excellent text for a study group or Sunday school class. This text might be used to disciple Christians individually too. In the not so recent past, those who successfully memorized a catechism’s answers were given “Catechism Certificates.” That practice might be worth restoring as a practical test for potential church officers. But even if one’s church isn’t interested, the chapters are clear and short enough so DeYoung’s book could be used for family devotions once per week to supplement regular scripture readings. DeYoung’s book is no “commentary” on the Heidelberg Catechism in the classic sense. As a popular work demonstrating the abiding relevance of the catechism for modern audiences, The Good News We Almost Forgot is an extremely valuable resource. How wonderful that God in His providence has chosen Moody Publishers to take this beautiful catechism out of the Reformed backwaters and – with His blessing – introduce the Heidelberg to a new generation of Christians so they may be blessed and God glorified!
The Good News We Almost Forgot is available for purchase in our online bookstore. Or read the article Evangelicals and the Crisis of the Authority by James W. Tonkowich.
Chuck Huckaby is a pastor in Lawrenceburg TN and serves as Review Editor for The Worldview Church. His website is MissionLawrence.org
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