In The Beginning God
In this unit, we’ll be looking at the way Christians view the world. What do we understand about human lives and about the universe? What can we know about God? How do the answers to those questions shape our lives as a Christian community? As we look at these questions, we’ll be referring to the Catechism which is in the Prayer Book beginning on page 845. We’ll also be looking at the Bible.
First, notice that the real name of this set of questions and answers is “An Outline of the Faith”. Look at what is said about it on page 844. It says there that the Catechism is “a commentary on the creeds”. This refers to the Nicene Creed that we say in church every Sunday (BCP, 358-359) and to the Apostle’s Creed used at Baptism (and Confirmation) (see, for example, BCP 96). The creeds (from the Latin “Credo” meaning “I believe”) are ancient statements of the Church which have been used by Christians everywhere since the third century A.D. In the Episcopal Church, the creeds form our whole statement of doctrine. In other words, anyone who can honestly say the creeds conforms to the teaching of the Episcopal Church. The Catechism is a set of questions and answers to help us talk about what the creeds have to say.
Look at the first set of questions and answers labeled “Human Nature”. Do these raise any questions for you? Read the first two chapters of Genesis at the start of the Bible. This section of the Catechism is a summary of those chapters (with some reference to the rest of the Old Testament. An important question to ask is “how do we know any of this?” The answer of the church has been that whatever we know about God is revealed to us by God. Look at the last question on page 845. What is your experience? How is God revealed to you? Does the description of human lives in these Q & A’s match your understanding of the world and of your life?
When you’re ready, turn to the sections marked “God the Father” and “The Old Covenant” on pages 846-847. Read through these and make a note of any questions or comments that come to mind. Notice the claim that the revelation of our understanding of God and the creation “was handed down to us through a community created by a covenant with God.” The second set of Q&A’s is commentary on that statement. To see the formation of that covenant community, read Genesis 12: 1-3 and Exodus 19: 1-8.
Sometimes it’s hard to connect the stories of the Bible, perhaps particularly those of the Old Testament, with our lives. Think about the Bible as one great novel, one with lots of meanderings and subplots, but a book which tells one story. It is a story of creation, of fall and disruption, and of God’s work to come to the rescue of us and of the fallen creation. Does the summary presented in this part of the Catechism help you see the plotline? How do we connect to this story?
To end this unit, prayerfully read the portion of Psalm 31 found on page 129 of the Prayer Book. If you are able, spend a few minutes reflecting on the words of this ancient song and ask God to bless you on your journey.
