Multiplication tables, the colours of the spectrum, parts of speech, the names of the planets, capital cities: time was when we learned such things by heart as we said and could recall them as required. Perhaps we also added to them theorems or theories by Pythagoras, Archimedes and Copernicus. It was also considered to be important that we should learn the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments.
Things have changed. We have found that we can manage without the Church of England catechism just as we can get along without being able to chant the eleven times table. Some will style this liberation. Others will wonder whether we have thrown out the baby with the bath-water. Given the request ‘Rehearse the articles of thy belief’ we should probably be lost for words.
Mind you, there is plenty to be wary of in the catechism. This question and answer compilation does not sort well with our new-found habit of self-expression. Why should we be told we must submit ourselves to all our governors, teachers, spiritual pastors and masters? Why should we order ourselves lowly and reverently to all our betters? Even if we could hardly fault the requirement that we should learn and labour truly to get our own living, why should we have to be told that this is any more part of being a dutiful Christian than is paying our debts?
The catechism is of its time. It came from a feudal age, an era of lords and serfs. But the principle of learning some things by heart is not. Such learning by question and answer may not equip us to defend and commend the Christian faith in our largely secular society but it will give us some tools to help us on our way. A Christian can hardly find fault with the idea that, as well as learning our tables, learning our creed is a useful accomplishment.
If we set ourselves to learn a sonnet by Shakespeare or Milton, we are not confining ourselves to a strait-jacket. We are adding to our treasure-store. We can bring jewels out as needed. The same should be true of well-constructed Qs and As in a catechism.
LEARNING BY HEART
Nicholas Ridley, they said, used to expect his clergy in the London diocese to know the New Testament by heart. Can this be true? Ridley was a serious scholar who gave much time to the study of Scripture. It’s puzzling. But then I’ve never understood how an actor can cope with the speeches in Shaw’s ‘Saint Joan’.
SOARING HIGH
St John’s, Yeovil, Somerset wants ‘to get us soaring high and shooting for his goals.’ Leading a strong team in a town noted for helicopters and football is James Dudley-Smith. The church has links with mission in west Africa and also a strong tie with Emmanuel church, Lapusna, Moldova.
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