I downloaded an app awhile ago called the New City Catechism. Previous to this app, I had heard the word catechism but never in context, and presumed it was purely used in Catholicism. I’m not catholic, so my curiosity ended there.

In reality catechism  means “a summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians.”

I don’t remember how I came across this app, other than it seems to have some affiliation with the church I attended when I lived in NYC. (Redeemer Presbyterian) And when I opened up the app I saw the introduction was by Timothy Keller, the man who pastors Redeemer.

When I first moved to NYC my junior year of college, I knew I wanted to get connected with a church as quickly as possible. The first church I attended was one I had randomly picked out of a phone book. I went there for a few weeks, but the sermon was the same every single week and the young adult group made me uncomfortable. After about a month of living in NY I was getting involved with Campus Crusade at school and by then I started asking around for a church. Nearly everyone I asked told me to try Redeemer. It wasn’t anywhere near my apartment and it sounded huge, but I decided to give it a try. They were meeting in the auditorium of Hunter College on the Upper East Side and they had several services each Sunday. The first Sunday I walked into the service of at least 1500 people and it suddenly seemed very overwhelming. I didn’t know the songs or the customs so I felt very out of my element. But when the pastor started speaking I knew I had found the church I had been looking for. I don’t remember the passage he preached on, other than it was a familiar passage that suddenly took on new life for me and I found that happening week after week and it was very refreshing.

Since my time in NYC, I’ve always had a fondness for Dr. Keller. When he started publishing books, I always looked forward to reading them. So when I saw his name on the app, I thought I’d give it a try.

The idea is simple… 52 weeks, 52 questions, 52 answers.

For instance week 1-

What is our only hope in life and death?

That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Afterwards there are scriptures and commentary. Sometimes there’s a video. What is really cool about the app is that there is an adult version and a simpler version for children. And on the children’s version there are songs that go along with the weeks to help kids remember.

We probably won’t get through all 52, but I thought I’d start the kids out on this, so over lunch on Sunday we gave it a try. I’m going to try to do it a few times a week. They might not memorize them, but at least they will be familiar to them. Check it out if you get the chance. It’s definitely worth a look.

As for my savages, I sent C to church this evening with her grandfather. That left me and the boys. Big E has been begging me to play more with him, so we got on the floor and played with transformer cars. Playing with boys is so different than playing with girls. There are a lot more explosions and gun battles! Ha! No one does their hair or tries to wear a twirly dress. It’s pretty fun!

Baby E had a major meltdown this evening when I told him he couldn’t climb a stepladder. When he heard the word no he screamed at me and threw himself on the floor. He then started rolling around and flailing his arms and legs as he screeched at me! Oh great, another dramatic one! That’s ok, the sooner he learns no, the better, right?!?

I suspect C will be overtired and in fine form when she gets home, so I am relishing the calm before the storm. Wish me luck on her impending arrival!