Title: Catechesis and Evangelization
1Catechesis and Evangelization
- Growth by Faithfulness to the Historical Theology
of Christs Church
2The Church Situation Today
- Todays Church setting is increasingly similar to
that of the first four centuries of the Churchs
life- the time of the Catacombs. - There were more Christian martyrs in the 20th
century than in all previous centuries combined. - The 21st century looks like it will give the last
century a run for its money. Before the rise of
ISIS, the average number of Christian killed for
their faith worldwide was about 465 persons per
day, which is about 19 new martyrs per hour, or
three a minute. It is higher now. Men, women, and
children- confessors who refuse to reject Jesus
who are 5 or 8 or 12 years old- are being
beheaded with knives, crucified, burned alive, or
shot. Movements in the US wants to make rejection
of deeply disordered acts criminal. Hate crimes
and faith crimes are new categories of tyranny.
3Reasons Primary Dangers
- The latest Pew Research data shows a decrease in
self-identified Christians in the US. In 2007 it
was 78.4 In 2014 it was 70.6, down almost 8
points in 7 years. Those whose affiliation was
none, including atheists, agnostics, and so on
moved from 16.1 to 22.8 in the same period. - Of those young people, ages 18 to 29, with a
Christian background, 59 have, at some point,
dropped out. Some will return to some form of
Christian practice. Many may not. - Of those turning 18 around the year 2000 and
afterward, 25 claim no religious affiliation at
all. - Why is this?
4A Hostile Public Environment
- The obvious surface level reason for this change
is the militant imposition of various atheist
views in the public arena. The core elements of
materialism, individualism, subjectivism, and a
rationalism unhinged from reason and tied to
tyranny, are the core heresies of our age. - This includes increasingly hostile government
intervention at numerous levels, including
manipulation of the courts and security agencies,
and, through government policies, all areas of
the economy. - It also includes the mass media, educational
institutions, and entertainment industries. - Thus it embraces and penetrates all aspects of
current life.
5The Enemy?
- The primary enemies- the world, flesh and satanic
armies- fight against goodness, and against the
standards of goodness, both revealed in the
Natural Moral Law, and in Revealed truth (Holy
Tradition), rooted in the Family and the historic
Church. - Natural Law, Revelation, Family and Church take
the position of moral judge over groups in power,
and limit them. - The elimination of the Family and the Church are
the main objectives- and have been explicitly so
for Marxism and all satanic movements in history.
- The Family and the Church, when healthy, both
catechize against major errors, replacing them
with Truth.
6Catechesis?
- Catechesis means the formation of not only the
intellect or mind, by the learning of truth, but
also the entire way of life and thinking which
echoes back the life of God to God and to one
another. - Catechesis means to echo back in thoughts,
words (the Creeds, Scriptures, etc.) and actions
(practical morality).
7We must know Whom we have believed.
- For this reason I also suffer these things
nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know Whom I
have believed and am persuaded that He is able to
keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you
have heard from me, in faith and love which are
in Christ Jesus. - 1 Timothy 112-13
8The Enemys Catechesis
- The primary focal point, and success tactic of
the Enemy has been catechesis. That is, both
formal and informal instruction by all these
groups, and pressure or coercion in terms of
practice. - Both children and adults have been formed in this
whole way of thinking by militantly atheist
agendas, which are religious but not identified
as such.
9Atheist Religion
- Religion is a system of thought and value
oriented around something ultimate. There are a
number of different scholarly definitions for
religion in use, but they are all very close to
one another in meaning. That used by Paul
Tillich- religion is "one's ultimate concern" -
is very helpful in keeping the focus where it
belongs, and being comprehensive. This means that
religion isn't simply about beliefs, but about
beliefs which orient one's whole life (they
provide what is called a "worldview"). Religion
has to do with something which is ultimate- which
is more important than anything else. - This includes a number of non-theist religions,
and that it isn't just scholars of religion which
classify non-theist religion AS religions (though
the American press, some parts of governments,
and some other institutions seem to ignore this
on a routine basis). Secular Humanism and Atheism
are both officially recognized as religions.
10Atheist Religion (cont.)
- Humanism has its own organized belief system,
publications and preachers. Like other religions,
it also has a goal the supplanting of all other
religions with its own. It also receives a
religious tax exemption. (Free Inquiry, winter
1986/87) - It even calls itself a religion. (The Humanist,
Sept. 1984) The title of an article in The
Humanist, Feb. 1983, for example, describes the
movement as "A Religion for a New Age." In the
article, teachers are charged with the role of
"preachers ... ministers of another sort." - And, all the way back in 1961, the Supreme Court
classified Secular Humanism as a religion. "...
among religions ... are Buddhism ... and Secular
Humanism." The Supreme Court, in Torkoso v.
Watkins (1961)
11Atheist Religion (cont.)
- A 2005 federal court of appeals ruled that
Wisconsin prison officials violated an inmate's
rights because they did not treat atheism as a
religion. - "Atheism is the inmate's religion, and the
group that he wanted to start was religious in
nature even though it expressly rejects a belief
in a supreme being. Without venturing too far
into the realm of the philosophical, we have
suggested in the past that when a person
sincerely holds beliefs dealing with issues of
'ultimate concern' that for her occupy a 'place
parallel to that filled by God in traditionally
religious persons,' those beliefs represent her
religion. Atheism is, among other things, a
school of thought that takes a position on
religion, the existence and importance of a
supreme being, and a code of ethics. We have
already indicated that atheism may be considered,
in this specialized sense, a religion. See Reed
v. Great Lakes Cos., 330 F.3d 931, 934 (7th Cir.
2003) ('If we think of religion as taking a
position on divinity, then atheism is indeed a
form of religion.') The Supreme Court has
recognized atheism as equivalent to a 'religion'
for purposes of the First Amendment on numerous
occasions."
12Atheisms False Claim
- All this needs to be kept in mind when people
start debating over the idea of keeping religion
out of education, government, the workplace, etc.
It is not a matter of religion versus
non-religion (as if Secular Humanism or Atheism
were not religions), but of which religions will
be accepted in public discourse, and which are
being rejected. Atheists and Secular Humanists
often THEIR views presented as fact, and
all other religions to be suppressed. It is,
ultimately, ironic that Atheism, dedicated to the
extermination of religion, is itself a religion. - The growth of numerous religious tax-exempt
Atheist groups, and even Atheist Churches show
the common claim that atheism is not religion but
science to be a crass lie. Such organizations
include the Freedom from Religion Foundation, the
American Humanist Association, the American
Ethical Union, and HUUmanists, and a growing
number of Atheist Churches.
13The Focal Point
- The focal point has been on sexual matters. The
so-called Sexual Revolution is pushed, and has
been, for decades in all forms of TV, movies,
educational instruction (which has focused not on
academics, but Progressive i.e. Marxist-
socialization, especially following John Dewey),
and government programs. - This attach was originally on marriage and on
procreation, both by artificial birth control and
by abortion, and the pushing of free love
(which was neither free nor love). - This attack has now extended to the is now being
extended to infanticide, euthanasia, genetic
engineering, homosexual pseudogamy, and the
compulsion of acceptance of these.
14Distortion of Sex and Gender
- One aspect of this is the distorted and mentally
imbalanced idea that gender (a matter of
grammar, not biology anyway) is now an open
category. So Facebook lists 56 genders. No
rational person believes there are anything but
two sexes male and female. - Ideas being pushed include not only homosexual
pseudogamy, but self-marriage, people
marrying pets, marrying inanimate objects
(objectum marriage), polygamy and various forms
of group marriage. - The sacred (and intended sacramental nature) of
Holy Marriage, and the Marital Embrace as the
expression of this, are simply rejected. We are
taught to lie with out bodies- to say I am yours
and you are mine and not mean it.
15Catechesis as Key to Faithfulness
- Catechesis has always been the center of the
Church way of life. The goal of the Christian
life is formation in the image of God, and growth
in His likeness. - This is not limited to one area of life, but is
holistic, and includes absolutely everything. - This is not temporary, but life-long.
- It involves everyone, not just clergy.
16The Antidote Against Death
- The answer to the Enemys attacks is Jesus, the
God-man. No program is any kind of substitute for
the Triune God Himself, made known in the real
Jesus, made known in the Scriptures and whole
Tradition of the Church. - For this reason I also suffer these things
nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I
have believed and am persuaded that He is able to
keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you
have heard from me, in faith and love which are
in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was
committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who
dwells in us. 2 Tim. 112-14 - Catechesis means we are grafted and grow in Him.
17Realms of Catechesis
- Liturgy both the Divine Liturgy AS catechesis
and catechesis about the Liturgy. - Also the entirety of life as Liturgical, a
inaugurated participation in the life of God and
heaven. - Daily Vocation is thus liturgical, and a realm
for echoing back who we are. - The Christian Family and its structures is a
basic framework, with parents being catechists
for their children. - Church life is itself familial (covenantal), and
involves the whole mystical body of Christ in
each place.
18True Catechesis is
- Being joined to the fullness of the Church.
- Transmitting and receiving the Truth of the
Faith, with humility and faith. - Not fleeing from but rather to Truth, looking for
refuge from all false claims of life and human
flourishing presented by the culture. This is not
limited to some aspects of life. - Acting in the agape of God, poured out into and
through us for the life of the world, to
radically transform it by setting it free from
sin and death.
19False Catechesis is
- An exercise of pride and self-sufficiency,
focused on our wants rather than on Christ. - A compartmentalized way of thinking about God and
His Church. - A temporary activity from which we graduate.
- Woe to you, scribes, Pharisees and hypocrites!
For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte,
and when he is won, you make him twice as much a
son of hell as yourselves.
- Matthew 2315
20Concessionary False Catechesis
- Another form of false catechesis concedes truth,
in the hopes of winning people by being
conciliatory. - One cannot concede an inch to the old sinful self
(the Old Adam), the sinful world, or Satan, and
still win the victory. This is absolute war, and
only the weapons of absolute unbending, divinely
stubborn Truth will do. One does not pour
gasoline on peoples disordered desires and at
the same time help them escape from them. This is
what the Church Growth Movement and all mere
marketing approaches can never understand. - This results in false teaching- both for church
members and for those outside the Church. - For a multitude of examples, see unChristian by
David Kinnaman, (Baker Books, 2007) where misuse
of data leads to all kinds of false ideas.
21False Models
- Catechesis as mere marketing. People are not
objects or commodities, and neither is the
Gospel. Words like market share and branding
are symptomatic of a major distortion in
perspective. - Catechesis as updating the teaching of the
Church. The premise is false- nothing God has
instituted for all time is out of date. This
produces heterodoxy. - Catechesis as somebody elses responsibility.
- Catechesis as something we complete and leave
behind. This expresses the root sin of pride.
22False Model Example
- Rolling Hills Community Church in 2008 launched a
new evangelism program Confessions of a
Sinful Church. They advertised a five-week
program centered around five apologies - Were Sorry for Our Self-Righteousness and
Hypocrisy - Were Sorry for Our Endorsement of Slavery
- Were Sorry for Our Mistreatment of Homosexuals
- Were Sorry for the Medieval Crusades
- Were Sorry for Saying the Earth is Flat
- A more asinine and deficient approach could
hardly be imagined, since, setting aside their
judgment of themselves in number 1, all the
remaining points are simply falsifications of
history. - This program is being imitated elsewhere, in what
is being labeled as a new kind of confessing
church, begging the cultures pardon. See lt
http//www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leaders
hip/the-new-confessing-church-11583323.html gt.
23Problems in Diagnosis
- Diagnosing the problems as something other than,
at their root, spiritual, is a mistake. The
primary issue is a worldview which rejects
historic Christianity, and has never heard it
defended - ever. - Recent research from Barna Group found that 67
of millennials prefer a classic church over a
trendy one 77 choose a sanctuary over an
auditorium. The word traditional, however,
does not find favor (only 40 preferred it over
modern whatever that means. They are
frustrated with slick or shallow expressions of
religion, and are not looking for the
sensational, flashy, or particularly
relevant. One said, I can be entertained
anywhere. At church, I do not want to be
entertained. I do not want to be the target of
anyones marketing. I want to be asked to
participate in the life of an ancient-future
community. Among those who dont go to church,
87 see Christians as judgmental, and 85 as
hypocritical. Only 8 say they dont attend
because church is out of date. But many see
many moral issues through thoroughly secular
eyes, and so gauge authenticity falsely.
24Addressing Root Problems
- This means that historic Christianity is rejected
because youth are brainwashed (or brain-defiled)
by popular culture, the educational system, and
so on, and are incapable of seeing Christianity
through non-secularist eyes. The only medicine
given to us to undo the damage is found in
catechesis and the Means of Grace- patient,
consistent application of these from the earliest
possible time. - We cannot compromise with the world, flesh and
demons. Until we actually see secular
presuppositions and culture as the major problem,
which cause the death of civilization, and
therefore shut it off, and destroy its arguments
with a clear articulation of truth, no progress
should be expected. - We only fool ourselves if we do not take this as
a deadly serious reality, or hope it will go
away.
25The Positive Remedy
- The only real remedy is the Triune God, the
God-Man Jesus Christ, the Church, and her Liturgy
and Sacraments. We must not confuse this as a
matter of taste, and must remove it from all
consideration of it contaminated by that way of
thinking. What matters is not this specific book,
whether the 1928 BCP or whatever else, but
faithfulness to Christ. - The real connection to Gods remedy is what
Catechesis means and is.
26Steps in Catechesis
- Guest
- Inquirer
- Catechumen
- Reception
- Integration
- Perpetual Growth
27Elements of Initial Outreach
- Be visible in the community, so people can find
you - Use communication tools (websites, but also
personal contacts) - Families bring in families
- Pray
- Be open to questions and concerns when they come
- Programs vs. Agape
- Reject a gatekeeper mentality
- Put an integrated system of sponsorship in place
28Some Useful Tools for Guests
- Use Visitor Cards
- Do not single out people
- Have substantive material for people to take home
- Use Greeters at the door(s)
- Invite people to coffee hour
- Provide services for people in need of counseling
or other help
29Inquirers
- Prepare a simple Introduction- people may know
nothing. People may not even know they dont
know. Watch for theological and philosophical
baggage! - Spend time and get to know them- so catechesis
can be tailored to meet their real needs. No
cookie cutter approaches! - Invite inquirers to Liturgy, Offices, as well as
parish events. - Be willing to answer questions, and supply
material to read or watch, both on Liturgy and
its meanings. - Assign potential sponsors to those willing to
have them. - Saturate the parishs life with catechesis and
liturgy as a matter of course. - Pray for all who are searching for Christ (but
not by name unless asked!). Flog our enemies
with the Name of Jesus.
30Catechumens
- Officially receive them with the prayers of the
Church. - Take your time- rushing this is always a mistake.
This is true no matter who does the rushing. - Be sure they come to services, not just classes
(so the perspective isnt distorted). - Integrate them into the community, and use
sponsors.
31Essentials of Catechesis
- Jesus Christ
- The Trinity
- The Church
- Holy Tradition (Scripture properly used and
understood) - The Divine Liturgy/Mass and Daily Offices
- Sacraments
- The Ecumenical Creeds
- The Ten Commandments
- The Our Father
32The Ancient Catechesis Model
- Basic Elements The Gospel, Scripture, the
Trinity, Christology, Creation and Anthropology,
the Ten Commandments, The Creeds, the Sacraments,
the Our Father, and the Liturgical context and
connections. - Take questions and concerns seriously.
- Include hands-on activities that show the various
elements of Church life, both at the parish
building and elsewhere.
33Reception into The Church
- Follow the guidelines of the ACA and rubrics in
the BCP and related liturgical sources, as
appropriate for the age and background of each
catechumen. - Use the seasons and feasts of the Church. See
Missione Ecclesiae Catholicae Evangelio. - Do not rush this!
- Be certain that reception is always in connection
with the Divine Liturgy celebrated in the
gathering of the whole community.
34Preparing for Reception
- Baptism vs. Confirmation
- First Confession as age appropriate.
- Involve sponsors!
- Give plenty of notice beforehand.
- Walk through the Liturgy beforehand- just like
you would do for a wedding. - Plan a parish reception.
35Actual Reception
- Involve the whole parish.
- Make it special.
- Include a meaningful gift from the parish
- Invite family members of those being received, as
appropriate. - Again, always receive new members in conjunction
with the regular Sunday or festival Divine
Liturgy/Mass.
36Integration into the Parish
- Keep them involved.
- Remember that sponsors do not stop being
sponsors! - Make it clear that no one is done. Show
opportunities for continuing catechesis. Remember
that new members wont see this as important if
the parish as a whole doesnt. - Specifically go though opportunities for service
and involvement based on their abilities,
background, personalities, and so on.
37Continuous Growth
- Remember that the ongoing goal is to build up the
Body of Christ by faithfulness to Him and to one
another. - This is NOT a numbers game. Our focus is
persons. - Emphasize quality over quantity, realizing that
the growth and sustaining of the Church is a
matter of Gods oath and covenant faithfulness,
that the gates of Hades shall not prevail
against My Church (Matt. 1617-19). Either we
believe Him or not. - We are not called to be successful by any other
measure than faithfulness of Christ. - This means we must each take up our cross and
follow Him. - The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church"
(Tertullian, Apologeticus).
38An Initial Resource
- Missione Ecclesiae Catholicae Evangelio
- Theology Practice of Gospel Proclamation,
Catechesis, and Growth in Anglican Parishes and
Missions is offered to the Church as a very
imperfect, but beginning resource for Catechesis
and Proclamation of the Gospel in an historic
way. - Improvements and additional materials will be
needed, but we must begin our return to the
ancient model .