Reclaiming an Ancient Tool of Faith Formation for Our Secular Age
In a world overflowing with competing ideas about meaning and purpose, it's more important than ever to embrace the gospel story as the ultimate lens through which we understand life.
For centuries, Christians have relied on catechisms-question-and-answer summaries of faith-to teach the faith and disciple new believers. The Gospel Way Catechism reclaims this powerful practice, explaining 50 essential Christian beliefs in a clear, Q&A format.
But it doesn't stop there. Each answer not only clarifies the core tenets of faith, but also equips you to identify and challenge today's common, yet powerful, cultural narratives. As you are formed by biblical answers to essential questions about God, life, and faith, you will also be counter-formed so you can identify the shortcomings of secular scripts and subvert them with the gospel.
Suitable for individual, group, and church-wide study, this discipleship tool provides an effective antidote to Western culture's inherent self-centeredness. Let this guide strengthen your faith and empower you to be salt and light in a culture desperate for meaning. In addition to being a straightforward Q&A-style presentation of 50 essential Christian beliefs, The Gospel Way Catechism takes faith formation deeper by exploring how each answer counters the secular narratives of today.
"The Gospel Way Catechism is a wonderful book, which puts the gospel in dialogue with the distortions of our age and shows why the Christian approach is more satisfying. With 50 short questions and answers, accompanied by warm, wise application, this book identifies the lies that cause us to sin and replaces them with the truths that cause us to sing."
-Andrew Wilson, teaching pastor, King's Church London
"It's a common mistake to think that someone who identifies as a 'none' (a person with no religious affiliation) doesn't have doctrines. On the contrary, there is no more powerful means of indoctrination than contemporary culture. Wax and West know this, which is why they have written a 'counter-catechism,' a question-and-answer teaching tool that exposes the shallowness of secular faith by contrasting it with a superior and more satisfying story: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why is there something rather than nothing? 'No reason,' say the nones. Christians know there is something rather than nothing, however, because the God who is love in himself has freely shared his love with something not himself: 'For God so loved the world.'"
-Kevin J. Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School)
"While evangelical Christians might read the Bible, we are all too frequently fuzzy about the whole Bible's answers to its own grand questions. Earlier generations, recognizing this tendency, have prioritized catechesis as a way for pastors, parents, and teachers to equip believers. I thank God that Trevin Wax and Thomas West have followed their historic example and, with this fine text, taken up the opportunity to serve the church in our time. This book is an important resource indeed."
-Ben Virgo, Christian Heritage London
"A good question invites a quest, and that's exactly what Trevin Wax and Thomas West extend to readers with their culturally savvy recasting of truths that lie too deep for frost. With its 50 focused questions, The Gospel Way Catechism lets the adventure begin to a meaningful journey further up and further into the everlasting truth of God's goodness, greatness, and glory. Wax and West have carefully crafted a timeless compass for our current age to help young and old alike along a thoughtful and thorough inquisitive examination of the nature of God. Rich in word and image, and abundant in helpful resources for reflection and application, this beautiful book should be in the hands of every heart that yearns for
