Being Reformed: The Heidelberg Catechism is helping adult and young adult participants of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations to know more fully the new translation of the catechism that is being considered for the PC(USA) Book of Confessions.
Designed for group exploration, The Heidelberg Catechism provides an in-depth look at the catechism, clarifying challenging issues that surround the current translation in the Book of Confessions and deciphering its concepts for today’s Christians. The study—written by Gary Neal Hansen, assistant professor of church history at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and member of the PC(USA) Special Committee on the Heidelberg Catechism—invites participants to better understand the catechism from a theological, yet accessible, perspective.
The new translation, correcting past translation errors and restoring original scriptural citations, was recently approved by a two-thirds majority of PC(USA) presbyteries and will seek approval at the 221st General Assembly in 2014. It is a product of collaboration between the Christian Reformed Church in North America, the Reformed Church in America, and the PC(USA).
Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding is a series of biblically based mini-courses that provides adults and young adults with a foundational understanding of the Reformed faith. Each six-session study—written by well-known and respected scholars—features Scripture, prayer, in-depth commentary, and questions for reflection.
The Heidelberg Catechism is available at www.pcusastore.com. It also can be downloaded in user-friendly e-reader formats for Kindle and iPad.
Learn more about Being Reformed at pcusa.org/curriculum.