Catechisms are an ancient and time–tested method that Christians have employed to pass on the core of what they believe about God and what He requires believers to do. Through a simple question–and–answer approach, young and old have been taught biblical truth about our great God and His ways. Randall Greenwald’s new discussion of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, one of the most treasured of these catechisms, is indeed a welcome tool for exploring the riches of this particular catechism and, even better, for growing in the grace of the Lord Jesus.

As a professional writer and editor, I’ve been consistently impressed by the quality of Randy’s writing; I’m also struck by his deep theological knowledge, and how it’s paired with genuine pastoral concern for those around him. This is a project that requires writing chops, theological acumen and a pastor’s heart. Randy’s got them all.

... brings the deep, rich, biblical and reformed theology of the 17th century Westminster Shorter Catechism to life in the 21st century in a way that is warm, inviting, accessible, conversational and centered in Christ and the gospel of saving and transforming grace.

The Shorter Catechism is one of those ‘treasures in the attic,’ as the late Dr. Hughes Old called them, that in more recent years have been re-discovered, brought down into the living room, dusted off, and re-utilized. It is a classic tool for parents who wish to transmit the content and reality of their faith to their children. Part of the dusting off process includes fresh expositions addressed to the living situation of the present generation. Randall Greenwald has done the church the favor of providing that fresh exposition. It will prove to be an effective aid to parents and Sunday school teachers who wish to communicate the gospel to the young people of today.