Catechism

kat'e-kizm, a pamphlet or volume of religious instruction put in the form of question and answer. The Roman Catholic catechism was put forth in Latin by the Council of Trent in 1556. It has been translated into various modern languages. The first English translation appeared in 1829. The Westminster Shorter Catechism, drawn up by a meeting of Presbyterian divines at Westminster in 1647, is taught by the Church of Scotland and Presbyterians generally. It was long taught by the Congregationalists of New England. An abridgment is the Shorter Catechism, embalmed in literature as far from a delight to children. The catechism written by Martin Luther is taught in Lutheran parochial schools the world over. The catechism of the Church of England has been a manual of instruction for centuries. Other denominations, notably the Methodists and Baptists, have each a catechism. The Protestant dissenters of England were attached to Dr. Watts' catechism.