Interpreting the Westminster Shorter Catechism

As the title page in the original document declared, this is the humble advice of the theologians at the Westminster Assembly. Considered by many across the Protestant, Evangelical spectrum to be the greatest catechism written & a foundational document for many, subsequent statements of faith, the catechism moves across fundamental Christian topics. It begins with the most comprehensive vision & deepest question for human existence. What is our purpose? From there it discusses our authority for life, fundamental truths concerning God’s nature, person, & will, his works, man’s relationship to him, our fallenness, Christ’s redemption, & fundamental activities in the Christian life. Although you may not agree with every statement, we invite you to check it out👇!

What is man’s Chief end?

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

—Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 01

Full Course Lectures on each Q/A on Confessing the Word YouTube Channel

Watch our full lectures using our unique visual, podcast Q/A style of instruction. Tim Spears has his Master of Theology degree in New Testament Interpretation, with his thesis in the area of Text Linguistics & the New Testament text from Westminster Theological Seminary. Mike Aiken has his Master in Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary in the area of Systematic Theology. Tim analyzes the structure and word meaning of the catechism text, while Mike Aiken discusses the theological meaning along with additional commentary of the reformers. Click on the pic to start the YouTube Playlist.

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Get additional related content from our sessions. These include assignments, visual handouts, worksheets & more. Ask questions & discuss issues related to the topic of the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

View our Visual Handouts from our Course

Scroll through our gallery of visual handouts & live markup worksheets from our sessions interpreting the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Work through ourTheological Studies

Click on the link below to begin our individual studies on each Catechism Q/A. Get Hi-Res pdf printable documents.

Theological Study - Westminster Shorter Catechism Q1 - Our Purpose

Why do we exist? What is our purpose of life? The Westminster Shorter Catechism answers this question. Click on the pic to begin the study.