Concept in Definition ABC

Catechesis in Greek means to teach and instruct. However, it is a term that refers to a type of teaching determined, Christian formation and, more specifically, the teaching of the catechism in the Catholicism.

In its strictest sense, the term catechesis refers to the transmission of the faith to the members of the Church. In other words, catechesis is the process of learning of Christian doctrine and has traditionally been oriented to kids baptized, but it can also be used in the formation of adults.

The members of the Church in the early stages of Christianity were shaping a new knowledge, biblical theology. As a section of this general scope, the need arose to create a teaching model of the principles of the faith. Christianity and that model is catechesis which, in practice, is concretized in the catechism as a means of diffusion and as a system pedagogical.

Catechism and catechesis in the Catholic Church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a book that includes the main doctrines and teachings of the Bible. It is a compilation of the fundamental elements of Catholicism. Normally the content of the catechism is explained by a priest or by a member of the church, who is addressed to some faithful who want to better understand the principles of their faith. Whoever follows these teachings is known as a catechist.

The purpose of catechesis is to perfect and consolidate knowledge and, in parallel, to guide the faithful towards holiness

The catechist must be confirmed and attend mass regularly. In general, catechism learning is learned in a group and the catechists comment on the different topics that the priest proposes to them.

The knowledge that the catechist is acquiring has a double dimension. On the one hand, it is a set of knowledge (prayers, commandments, biblical passages ...). On the other hand, this knowledge has an instrumental character, since it is tools for consolidate the Christian faith.

The catechism of the Catholic Church is a documentstructured in the following way: the profession of faith, the sacraments, the life of faith and, finally, the importance of prayer. Regarding its content, the subjects of study are very diverse: the canon of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, the symbols of faith, the revelation of God as Trinity or divine Providence.

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