Cyril of Jerusalem wrote one of the earliest Catechisms in Christianity. Next to the “Teaching of the twelve” also known as the “Didache,” Cyril wrote one of the most influential Catechisms in the history of the Christian church. In order to bring new converts into Christianity, learning the “Catechism” was and is still today the most important step in a Christians life.
Catechism
Many think of a Catechism as a question and answer format of Christian doctrine. This format was popularized during the great Reformation. This; however, is not true. A Catechism does not need to be in any question and answer format. Examples of this are the Roman Catechism and the Catechism of Saint Thomas Aquinas. A Catechism is an oral teaching of essential Christian doctrines.
The term “Catechesis” in its widest sense includes instruction by word of mouth on any subject sacred or profane , but is especially applied to Christian teaching, whether of an elementary kind appropriate to new converts, or, as in the famous Catechetical School of Alexandria, extending to the higher interpretation of Holy Scripture, and the exposition of Christian philosophy.
THE CATECHETICAL LECTURES OF S. CYRIL, ARCHBISHOP OF JERUSALEM. Page 14
Catechisms are built from well know and accepted Christian doctrine. Over time, Catechisms became more and more in depth and specific to each Christian groups faith.
The duty of catechizing was not limited to a class of persons permanently set apart for that purpose, but all orders of the Clergy were accustomed to take part in the work. Even laymen were encouraged to teach children or new converts the first elements of religion, as we learn from Cyril’s exhortation: “If thou hast a child according to the flesh, admonish him of this now; and if thou hast begotten one through catechizing, put him also on his guard1.”
THE CATECHETICAL LECTURES OF S. CYRIL, ARCHBISHOP OF JERUSALEM. Page 15
Catechetical lectures of Cyril of Jerusalem
Cyril of Jerusalem wrote his catechetical lectures around 350 A.D.