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Very Average Joe

Baltimore Catechism (1941)

A Catechism of Christian Doctrine, Prepared and Enjoined by Order of the Third Council of Baltimore, commonly referred to as the Baltimore Catechism, was first released in 1885. It was the catechism for children in the US up until the mid-1960s.


Like many catechisms and other writings of the Church, it is in Q&A format which is a derivative of the Socratic dialogue.


The questions are short and simple and the corresponding answer is typically in one sentence. Depending on the edition, this may be followed by a short quotation from Scripture. In any case, each answer is short and simple.


The 1941 edition is organized into 3 Parts with a total of 38 “lessons” (chapters) containing 499 questions. Each lesson typically contains seven to fifteen questions. The 3 Parts are:

  • Part I: The Creed – Lesson 1 to Lesson 14

  • Part II: The Commandments – Lesson 15 to Lesson 22

  • Part III: The Sacraments and Prayer – Lesson 23 to Lesson 38


As one can see, the structure is typical of a catechism. Part I goes through each article of the Apostle’s Creed. Part II goes through the Ten Commandments as well as the Commandments of the Church. Part III goes through the seven Sacraments and matters associated with them.


Perhaps the only thing that is atypical is that only one lesson (Lesson 38) is dedicated to the entire Our Father rather than a more detailed treatment such as a lesson dedicated to the opening and each petition.


As it is written for children, it aims for simplicity and brevity. As expected, some matters are complex so those answers, whilst still correct, lack a detailed explanation of the different facets. Where scriptural quotations are provided, there is only one even if there are others. These are sometimes repeated for other (related) questions when perhaps others could be used instead. This is not incorrect but it is a limitation.


So, if one is looking for at least a one-paragraph explanation that mentions the tradition or history, then this catechism does not provide such answers. Nonetheless, as it does provide answers in single sentences, it is as good a starting point as any and is overall an easily accessible and valuable reference text.

 

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