Catechumen

Catechumen (Lat. catechumenus, Gr. ,carijxobucvos, instructed, from KaTflXIJ-, to teach orally), an ecclesiastical term applied to those receiving instruction in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism.

Related Topics:
Lat. - Gr. - Christian religion - Baptism

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As soon as Christianity became a missionary religion, it was found necessary to make arrangements for giving instruction to new converts. At the beginning the Apostles themselves seem to have undertaken this duty, and the instruction was apparently given after baptism, for in Acts ii. 41, 42, we are told that they that gladly received the word were baptized ... and they continued steadfastly in the Apostles' teaching. There are two instances in the New Testament where reference is made to individual instruction in this technical sense. Luke (i. 4) in dedicating the third Gospel to Theophilus tells him that his aim in writing the book was that thou mightest have certainty in the things in which thou has been instructed (KaTqxi~Ofls), and we are told that Apollos was instructed (Karflxpji~Pos) in the way of the Lord (Acts xviii. 25).

Related Topics:
Missionary - Acts - Apostles - New Testament - Luke - Theophilus - Apollos

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With the development of Christianity the instruction became more definite and formal. It is probable that the duty of instructing converts was assigned to the teachers, who are ranked by Paul immediately after the Apostles and prophets (I Cor. xii. 28), and occupied an important position in the Christian ministry. In the Didache, or Teaching of the Apostles, we have an excellent illustration of the teaching which was given to candidates for baptism in early times. There can be little doubt that the Didache was used as a manual for catechumens for several centuries. Athanasius (Festal Epistles, 39), for instance, says that it was appointed by the Fathers to be read by those who are just recently coming to us, and wish to be instructed in the word of godliness (KarflXeZaOai Tie ri~s eO.s~3Las X&yoe), The instruction prescribed by the Didache is very largely ethical, and stands in striking contrast to the more elaborate doctrinal teaching which came into vogue in later days. The Shepherd of Hermas too is another book which seems to have been used for the purpose of catechesis, for Eusebius says that it was deemed most necessary for those who have need of elementary instruction (Eccles. Hist. iii. 3-6).

Related Topics:
Paul - I Cor. - Athanasius - Eusebius

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With the rise of theological controversy and the growth of heresy catechetical instruction became of vital importance to the Church, and much greater importance was attached to it. After the middle of the 4th century it was regarded as essential that the candidate for baptism should not only be acquainted with the spiritual truths and ethical demands which form the basis of practical Christianity, but should also be trained in theology and the interpretation of the creeds. Two books have been preserved which throw a striking light upon the transformation which had taken place in the conception of catechesis:

Related Topics:
Heresy - 4th century

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• the Catechetical Lectures of Cyril of Jerusalem
• the De rudibus Catechizandis of Augustine.

Cyril's Lectures may be termed the Pearson on the Creed of the 4th century. He takes each article separately, discusses it clause by clause, explains the meaning of each word, and justifies each statement from Scripture. Augustine's treatise was written at the request of a catechist, named Deogratias, who had asked him for advice. After replying to the question of Deogratias, and giving sundry counsels as to the best method of interesting catechumens, Augustine concludes by giving a model catechetical lecture, in which he covers the whole of biblical history, beginning from the opening chapters of Genesis, and laying particular stress on the doctrinal parts of Scripture. Cyril and Augustine differ, as we should expect, in the doctrines which they select for emphasis, but they both agree in requiring a knowledge of sound doctrine on the part of the candidates.

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In spite of the numerous references to catechumens in Patristic literature, our knowledge of the details of the system is often very deficient, Sand upon some points there is considerable diversity of opinion amongst experts. The following are the most important questions which come under consideration.

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