[Greek] κατηχέω (katēcheō), [Latin] erudire, [Latin] edocere, [Latin] audire, [Latin] instruere, [Latin] catecizare, [French] instruire, [French] entendre, [German] einrichten, [German] unterweissen: Lk.1:4, Acts 18:25, Acts 21:21,24, Rom.2:18, 1Cor.14:19, Gal.6:6; to teach by word of mouth, to instruct, to sound down (into the ears), to inform, to catechize, to teach
The parents are the primary teachers (catechists) for teaching the faith to their children. This includes instruction about sex and gender.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, rarely used, means to sound down from above, to recount something to someone, to inform, and to teach (instruct) someone. This term is used by poets (on a stage) addressing the audience (active sense) and apprentices learning a skill or trade (passive sense).
New Testament: This term, used in both an active and passive sense, means to teach, to receive, to hear, to inform, and to instruct. Luke has already heard and understood the gospel message. He writes it down to confirm what has been told to him. Apollos had been instructed in the Way of the Lord from John’s baptism, Acquila, and Prisca. Paul was informed that the Jews believed that he encouraged the Christian Jews to abandon the Law. One who is being instructed in the Word should share all goods things with his instructor. One can discern what is important from being instructed in the Law. Paul would prefer to instruct with few words in the same language.
Scripture:
“I too have decided, after investigation accurately anew, to write it (the Gospel) in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.” Lk.1:3-4
Luke writes down and confirms what he has already heard and understood about the gospel for our benefit. He puts down what was already established as oral tradition.
“One who is being instructed in the Word should share all good things with his instructor.” Gal.6:6
Paul alludes the to teaching ministry of the catechist. This implies oral instruction in the faith by catechist. Paul recognized the need to support this teaching ministry.
“Apollos had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25
Apollos is a catechist and preacher, not having personally known Jesus. Apollos was also taught by Acquila and Priscilla, fellow tent makers who knew Paul. Teaching became an important part of the missionary task of the Church at the congregational level. This teaching ministry was needed in response to the growth of the Church.
Etymology: The Latin verb erudire means to educate, instruct, and bring out the rough (rudis). The Latin verb edocere means to inform fully. The French verb entendre means to hear, to pay attention, and to give heed. The Greek verb katecheo means to sound (-echo) down (kate-). One who catechizes teaches by word, mouth, or even by written form.
Catechesis: This is an oral instruction in religious matters by questions and answers. Therefore, a catechist is a book of questions and answers about religion, used for teaching religious doctrine. Interestingly, a catechist can also be defined in a secular sense. A detective, who asks deep and persistent questions, is an effective catechist.
“I will catechize the world for him, that is, make questions, and by them answer.” Othello Act 3, Scene 4
Conclusion:
Erudite, rude, educate, education, audio, instruct, assemble, enrich, wise, intend, catechize, catechesis
It is interesting to note that this term is not specifically found in the Old Testament. Yet the notion of religious instruction by rabbis to disciples (oral tradition) still occurs.
This term becomes a technical term for Christian instruction. In a sense, Luke, like a catechist, uses his gospel as a catechetical tool to teach the faith and gospel message (catechesis) of Jesus.
It cannot be stressed enough that hearing becomes a very important part in the transmission (oral tradition) of faith. In Acts, this term also is defined by hearing (being informed) of events.
Paul is perhaps the most effective catechist in spreading the gospel message. Paul, not a dynamic speaker, would rather use few and simple words.
Gal. 6:6 points out the important relationship between the one who is being instructed (student) and the teacher (catechist).
This term is very near and dear to me, as I myself am a catechist. Warning!! — shameless plug — My catechetical blogging site is called Resounding the Faith. ☺☺☺I also ask a lot of questions!
Update: It is important to be reminded that the parents are the primary teachers (catechists) for their children’s faith. Now you know why that this is the parent’s role for their kids!
The American bishops and priests need to do a better job instructing and catechizing parents about faith when it comes to human sexuality.
Unfortunately, some bishops and priests are reluctant to state church teachings contrary to this secular world. They are perhaps reluctant or fearful of being called extreme or hateful.
The Church officials needs to be more forceful in stating their historical opposition to gay marriage.
Yet some Church officials will stray from official doctrine to pander to the gay and trans community. Perhaps these church officials do not want to be known as ‘intolerant’.
Some Churches have even changed their historical church teachings to accept gay marriage.
The Church needs to be more forceful in their opposition to abortion.
Yet some church leaders are fearful of being called extreme, hateful, or out of touch.
Yet some Church leaders will still allow the Eucharist to be given to pro-abortion Catholics.
The Church must speak more forcibly against parents who allow the children to transition to another gender.
It is foolish and presumptuous to think we can redefine marriage between a man and a woman. God is ultimately the author of marriage.
It is foolish and presumptuous to think that we know better than God what our gender should be.
Allow me to resound my thoughts: What if scripture’s (and God’s) traditional teachings on marriage and sexuality are actually correct? I just don’t have all the answers. I am just asking the questions. I think perhaps many of us have been deluded in thinking that in our society we know better, that we have these rights (freedoms) to do so, or that God and the Church are out of touch. Even if we think these traditional beliefs are out of touch, does it necessarily mean that our beliefs and views are right? Perhaps we may have fooling ourselves all along! How does that sound to you! I suppose we will later find this out if we are right or wrong when each of us will have to answer to God for our actions.
As a catechist, it is my role to ask these questions about what attitudes which we should adopt about faith matters. It is also very instructive to remind others that abortion has both moral and spiritual consequences. God certainly plays His part in the creation of life in the womb. That is why those considering abortion should be open to the possibility of handing off their child for adoption to those parents who are seeking to open their hearts to such a child. Many have been hoping and praying that God will knit an adoptive child into their hearts. There are many potential parents who would be willing to teach, instruct, and raise an adoptive child as their own. It is also very instructive to remember that each one of us is an adopted child of God.
Next post: being adopted and adopting a new outlook