What is Catechism?

• "Catechism" is a word that is used almost solely in the religious world. "Catechism" can be defined as a manual that helps define your religion; repetitive oral instruction that helps you remember the rules and beliefs of your religion; or a test that tests your knowledge of the religion.
  
  

Manual

• The most prominent type of catechism is a religious manual. All religions have a catechism that defines the way that their church is run. For example, the catechism of the Catholic Church dictates the beliefs of the Catholic religion, the way these beliefs will be followed and various different rules dictating the religion. These include the profession of faith, the celebration of the Christian mystery and life in Christ. A catechism of this type will include many repetitions of phrases so that they stick in your mind.
  
  

Oral Instruction

• Catechism as oral instruction can refer to many different things. In the Catholic Church, there is a tradition that young parishioners go to a catechism class once a week. In these classes, appointed parishioners lecture students on the beliefs of the Catholic Church. They dictate the rules of the catechism of their belief and test the children on their knowledge of their beliefs. This can go on for several years, as the children are taught and tested on more difficult tenets of faith as their mind develops. Once they graduate, they are indoctrinated into their faith. Most Christian faiths have this tradition.
  
  

Test

• A catechism can also be a form of test, done either orally or on paper. A catechism test covers a belief or a set of rules. A catechism of this type would be a final test of your understanding of your religious belief. All of the memorization and repetition from the oral catechism helps you in this catechism test. By passing your catechism test, you indicate that you fully understand your religious belief. As a result, you can graduate into being a fully fledged adult member of your church.
  
  

Nonreligious Catechism

• Another definition of catechism defines it as close scrutiny and questioning of a political figure. This would be the kind of presidential interviewing you see done on T.V. This can also mean books or articles about political figures. The word "catechism" can also apply to nonreligious manuals, oral instruction and tests. Catechisms can be used at work, at home or anywhere else that requires learning and memorizing rules and directions. Nevertheless, the religious definition is much more common.