[Greek] κατηχέω (katēcheō), [Latin] eruditus, [Latin[ docere, [Latin] instruere, [Latin] audire, [Latin] catecizare: to teach by word of mouth, to instruct, sounding down into the ears, to catechize, to inform, to echo; Act 18:25, Rom. 2:18, 1Cor.14:19, Gal. 6:6, Lk.1:4, Act. 21:21, Act.21:24
Early depiction of the Catechetical School of Alexandria
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term is rare in secular arena. Its basic meaning is to sound down from above, to recount something to someone, to inform, to instruct (teach) someone. It is said of being used by poets from a stage addressing the audience. This term is also found in the teaching of an apprentice in the learning of a skill or trade.
Judaism: In Gal.6:6 Paul had foresaw the importance of using words in an understandable sense to effectively teach the faith. This gives rise for the need for the proper instruction and the need for a professional teaching ministry in the congregation. This term, very rarely used in Judaism, becomes a technical term unique for Christian instruction.
New Testament: A narrative of events have been handed down by eyewitnesses. Luke writes his gospel down for the benefit of his friend Theophilus. Apollos had been instructed in the Way of the Lord. The Jewish Christians inform Pau that the Jews believe that Paul has encouraged the Jews to abandon the Mosaic law. One who is being instructed in the Word should share all good thing with his instructor. The early Church did not have a special class of teachers. The bishops and clergy undertook this function. As the early Church grew, increasing numbers of converts from Judaism and paganism became part of the Church. This also led to large numbers of younger persons who needed instruction in the faith. A more comprehensive teaching ministry was now needed at the local congregational level. Later, this group would be called the catechumen whom would be given instruction preparing for the sacrament of baptism.
Scripture:
“I too have decided, after investigating accurately anew, to write it (the gospel) in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus.” Lk.1:4
Luke, already aware of the gospel message, writes it down for Theophilus and all of us for our benefit. Luke puts down in writing what was already established oral Tradition. Luke essentially confirms in writing what was told to him.
“One who is being instructed in the Word should share all good things with his instructor.” Gal.6:6
Paul alludes the teaching ministry of the catechist. This implies oral instruction in the faith by catechists. Paul recognizes the need to support this teaching ministry.
“A Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent speaker, arrived in Ephesus. He was an authority on the scriptures.” Act. 18:24-25
Here we have a catechist. Teaching was becoming an important part of the missionary task of the Church at the congregational level. This teaching ministry was needed in response to growth of the Church.
Late Christianity: The Catechetical School of Alexandria was a school of Christian theologians in Alexandria, Egypt. The teachers and students of the school would be influential in later sorting out theological controversies of the Church. It said that this school may have been founded by the Apostle Mark around 176 A.D.
Conclusion:
Catechist, catechetical, catechism. erudite, docent, doctrine, audio, instruct, instruction
From this comes the words catechist, catechetical, and catechism. This post was a fun one for me as I am myself a catechist. A catechism is essentially a summary or manual of doctrine for the instruction of those persons coming into the faith. The catechism is quite often organized in a question/answer format. Until this today, catechists are sounding down the faith.
So it is no surprise that my blogging site is called Resounding the Faith. That sounds about right!