Catechism

Christian instructural literature, usually in question and answer form, are primarily catechetical works if they are directed to enlightening the faithful or possible converts on the subjects of the three cardinal virtues, faith, hope, and charity as exemplified in the messages of the Apostle's Creed, the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments. To this the virtues of Baptism and the Eucharist may be added, for being a Christian is essentially adherence in faith to the Apostle's Creed, in prayerful expectation to the fulfillment of the Lord's Prayer, and in deed to the Commandments, while possessing the fruits of the essential sacraments. The catechumen or inquirer into Christian faith originally was posed oral questions and gave his answers, as undoubtedly part of his initiation ceremony preceeding (adult) baptism. Thus to 'recite one's catechism', that is, the outcome of one's inquiries or statements of belief, including the antetypes to the Creed, was a practice of converts possibly inculcated by Jesus himself. At the same time, as a profession of what one discovered as a consequence of investigation or journeying into the Christian mysteries, it has Socratic Overtones. The Christian catchumen's ancient statement, his catechism, symbolically indicates, 'I found, after I searched', and in this meaning is identical with the searching rites of Orphism and the Mystery religions. In Buddhist literature the catechetical phrase is, 'Thus have I heard', which individualizes instructional dogmas.