In reply to Caroljrf.

Carol,

Thank you for your encouragements. I would certainly agree with you in everything you have said, though I would add one little caveat: Laypeople are theologians. No, you perhaps have not attended seminary, but you have listened to the Word of God being proclaimed in church, you have studied the Word of God with your pastor, you have learned from the catechism. You, no doubt, have thoughts and ideas about who God is and what He has done for you. And, you doubtless share this faith with others. This makes you a theologian in some way. do not downplay that. There's a great story in Bo Giertz's book, Hammer of God, about a woman who gently teaches the practical matters of theology to the young, inexperienced pastor in a wonderful way. I highly recommend the book.

That said, the rest of your comment is spot on. The catechism is a summary of what is necessary for salvation, and these guideposts help prevent us from going off on our grand delusions. They are the layman's Bible because they teach the Scripture. Well said.