No one catechized me growing up. If anyone or any institution did, it is likely during my years in the para-church program, A.W.A.N.A. (Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed). This program drove me to memorize countless scriptures, which I did, but unfortunately I was not driven by a love for His word, rather I was driven by a love for prizes and recognition. Reflecting back on those years and now having children of my own, I often ask myself, “Was that spiritually profitable at any level or did it just feed my insatiable pride?” Charles Hodge grew up, not in A.W.A.N.A or some other para-church program, but being personally catechized by his pastor. “Green’s (Charles’ childhood pastor) catechizing of his young charges in Philadelphia formed just a small part of his ministerial duties in Presbyterian confessional polity. His pastoral efforts reinforced in the congregation what the parents practiced at home in teaching the Shorter Catechism by systematically expounding its mean...
This blog exists to encourage readers to revisit and learn from the "men of old".