Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Heidelberg Catechism

Whadaya Know? (And Who and How?)

February 1, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 10 Comments

“Studying a sixteenth century document has nothing to do with real living faith!” The objection is close to the surface whenever I talk about using the Heidelberg Catechism in real life — say, to teach youth or adults what the Christian faith is about. This is followed by a second, corollary objection: “I can’t memorize anything!” […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Catechism, Christ, Christian Education, Heidelberg, Jesus, King, Priest, Prophet

I’m dead! Now what do I do? (Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 88)

January 30, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 8 Comments

My favorite scene in Les Miserables is also the most important scene: the interaction between Jean Valjean and Bishop Bienvenu. It is the scene where Victor Hugo sets in motion the driving issue of his great novel.  It is a picture of redemption as both death and new life — a demanding, imperfect, complicated new […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Bible, Catechism, Conversion, Heidelberg, Les Mis, Les Miserables, Repentance, Romans 12, Valjean

A Leap into the Light

January 24, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 9 Comments

What is faith, really? Some will tell you it is a leap into the dark — jumping into the unknown, off a proverbial cliff, and hoping that Someone will catch you.  For Jesus that wasn’t faith; that was “tempting” or “testing” God, and he wouldn’t do it. Or when we need faith to pray effectively […]

Filed Under: Faith, Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Bible, Catechism, Christianity, Faith, Heidelberg, Holy Spirit, Trust

What Christians Believe in 15 Seconds

January 22, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 21 Comments

What Christians Believe

You are talking with your co-worker from the next cubicle over coffee. She knows you are active in a church. She is in a season of searching. What is Christianity actually all about?” she asks. “I mean, what do you believe?” She really wants to know. You really want to tell her.  Three problems: You […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Apologetics, Bible, Catechism, Evangelism, Gospel, Heidelberg, theology

Tidings of Comfort and …

January 10, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 3 Comments

The Christmas Carol ends that phrase with “Joy”. The Heidelberg Catechism appears to end it with “Misery”!  Or does it? I’ve been spending a lot of time in this text in recent years — the Heidelberg Catechism is a 16th century summary of the Christian faith, and the most widely used Reformed theological standard worldwide. […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Catechism, Christian Education, Comfort, Confessions, Heidelberg, Jesus Christ, Misery

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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