“Packer’s last crusade in this world,” the Rev. Dr. J.I. Packer affirms, is recovering catechesis ”” systematic instruction in the Christian fundamentals ”” to meet the challenges of an increasingly pagan age.
The evangelical theologian said at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Dallas on Jan. 9 that he yearns for the return of catechesis, “Bible-based, Christ-centered, declarative in style,” at a time when “the Christian value system is virtually disappearing from schools.”
“We are drifting back into paganism, that’s the truth,” said Dr. Packer, the second featured speaker in the James M. Stanton Lecture Series.
“Ongoing learning is part of the calling of the Church,” he said. “It has to be taught in all churches at all times.”
I’m pleased to report that the ACNA’s Committee on Catechesis & Curriculum is preparing a “guiding principles” document for an Anglican Catechumenate. The document provides guidance for developing a robust life-long, disciple-making approach to catechesis in realligning Anglicanism in North America. Dr. Packer’s insights have been tremendously valuable in the drafting of the document, and it also finds strength in a broad-base of evangelical and anglo-catholic input from all sectors of the new province.
The article and comment #1 are both very encouraging.
Packer may be the most important Anglican theologian of the time (of ALL time?) What he says is SO true. I find women in an Episcopal Bible study–long time Episcopalians all and well into their 60s and beyond–to be WOEFULLY illiterate in the very BASICS of Christianity. What’s interesting is that they know a great deal about setting up the fair linen and cleaning the communion vessels; they even know the best way to clean and iron the priest’s vestments. But they don’t know the significance of communion except that it is somehow the body and blood of Jesus. Now this may be OK for the first communion child but I like Packer think the adult should be acquainted with the meaning of Jesus’ words at the Last Supper and his work on the Cross (among other things.)
Sadly, women such as these are the ones teaching our children.
Does anybody know if the full text of this address is available?
#4 Philip – I found links to the mp3 audio here:
[url=”http://espritdallas.com/diocesan/a-call-for-catechesis/”]http://espritdallas.com/diocesan/a-call-for-catechesis/[/url].
Thanks!
Dr. Joan – Does Packer think that the Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Jesus?