Heidelberg Catechism

Definition and Meaning

A catechism (Korean yori mundap, "questions and answers on essential doctrine") is a manual of instruction that sets out the essential truths of the faith in question-and-answer form. In Korea it is also called gyori mundap ("doctrinal questions and answers").

The Heidelberg Catechism consists of 129 questions and answers. Its first question, "What is your only comfort in life and in death?", is especially well known. The catechism is divided into three parts:

• Human sin and misery
• Salvation (redemption)
• Gratitude for salvation

Following this order, it expounds in turn the Apostles' Creed, the sacraments, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer. It is also divided into fifty-two sections so that it can be taught on each Lord's Day of the year.

Biblical and Historical Background

After the Reformation, the Electoral Palatinate in Germany experienced conflict between Lutherans and the Reformed. Elector Frederick III commissioned a manual of instruction for common use in churches and schools, and the catechism was published in Heidelberg in 1563. Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus are traditionally named as its principal authors, though many today regard it as the product of collaboration among a number of theologians and pastors.

Theologically, it belongs to the Reformed tradition shaped by John Calvin, yet it is regarded as a moderate document that incorporates some emphases of the Martin Luther tradition. Each answer is accompanied by supporting Scripture references. The Synod of Dort (1618–1619) later adopted it, together with the Belgic Confession and the Canons of Dort, as a doctrinal standard of the Dutch Reformed Church. These three documents are commonly referred to as the "Three Forms of Unity."

Use in Korean Churches

Most Korean Presbyterian denominations adopt the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms as their official doctrinal standards. The Heidelberg Catechism is not an official standard of these denominations. Nevertheless, it is widely read as a text for doctrinal instruction in churches and seminaries that value the Reformed tradition. Some churches use it in catechumen and confirmation classes or in young adult Bible study, and a number of Korean translations and commentaries are available.

Other denominations differ from this document on certain points:

• The Lord's Supper: The catechism explains the Lord's Supper from a Reformed perspective and differs from the Lutheran position in the Eucharistic controversy.
• Infant baptism: Question 74 supports infant baptism. Baptists, who recognize only believer's baptism, hold a different view (see infant baptism debate).
• Predestination: Denominations in the Wesleyan tradition, such as the Methodist and Holiness churches, differ in their understanding of predestination. These denominations follow their own doctrinal documents.