Opus 2025-204: Revival of Catechism

When I was pastoring, I made sure that I did not get cavalier and casual about taking people into church membership.  You couldn’t just show up one Sunday, have an overwhelming emotional experience and be taken into membership.  I would have classes that extended for a number of weeks as we went through the basic beliefs of Christians and the peculiar aspects of our denomination.  I tried to make it clear what was basic in following Jesus, and what was expected to join our fellowship.  I don’t remember hearing any big complaints because people tended to be interested in learning what they needed to know.

I am somewhat shocked at how easy it is for people to join some churches.  I think a basic course in theology should really be required to join.  Notice I said to join, not to fellowship.  Fellowship can be extended just on the basis of, “Hi, my name is….”

In light of that, I think it would be good if part of our secret knowledge, so to speak, included a few words in the original languages of the Bible.  If we could learn those words, it would clear up a lot of confusion.

One of those words is that which is translated “LORD”, in all capitals in the KJV and NASB.  The Hebrew word is Yahweh.  There’s no great virtue in being able to say that word, but there is great value and understanding that it is as a statement of God that His name means, “I am.”

It might also be helpful to learn to pronounce the Jewish name for Jesus, and understand that that means savior.

I also think that the words dealing with being saved are important.  I think that people should learn to say the Greek word charis, rather than just grace.  I think learning a Greek word for faith, pistis, would help clear up some confusion.  It would force people to look a little deeper and think twice as they read the scriptures and talk with other believers.

I realize that this could get carried away.  I know there is always the danger of becoming an exclusive club with “secret knowledge”.  I don’t think we need that, but we do need to somehow get people to think more seriously, and more deeply about their faith.

Maybe we could even start translating our Bibles using certain keywords in the original language.

homo unius libri