Heidelberg Catechism

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The Heidelberg Catechism is a document taking the form of a series of questions and answers, for use in teaching Reformed Christian doctrine. It has been translated into many languages and is regarded as one of the most influential of the Reformed catechisms.

Elector Frederick III, sovereign of the Palatinate from 1559 to 1576, appointed Zacharius Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus to write a Reformed catechism based on input from leading Reformed scholars of the time. One of its aims was to counteract the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church basing each of its statements on the text of the Bible.

Commissioned by the sovereign of Palatinate, it is sometimes referred to as the Palatinate Catechism.

The Catechism is divided into fifty-two sections, each to be taught one Sunday of the year. The Synod of Heidelberg approved the catechism in 1563. In the Netherlands, the National Synods of the sixteenth century adopted it as one of the Three Forms of Unity, making it requisite for Elders and Deacons to subscribe to, and ministers to teach.

In its current form it consists of 129 questions and answers. These are in three main parts:

Of the misery of man.
Of the redemption of man.
Of the gratitude due from man (duties, etc.).

In its character it is devotional rather than dogmatic. This can be seen in the first question which is "What is thy only comfort in life and death?"

The influence of the Catechism extended to the Westminster Assembly of Divines who, in part, used it as the basis for their Shorter Catechism.

Main articles: Catechism and Reformed Christian confessions of faith

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