Book Review

"The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism" by William Boekestein

Simonetta Carr
William Boekestein
Thursday, March 1st 2012
Mar/Apr 2012

Years ago, as I was teaching Question 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism to my Sunday school class of first- through third-grade students, I wished for a book written specifically for their age about the rich history behind this important document, imparting the passion and urgency with which it was originally composed. That's why I was glad to receive William Boekestein's newest release, The Quest for Comfort. This volume, a sequel to Boekestein's Faithfulness Under Fire, is short enough to keep young children interested and long enough to give them a clear understanding of how this catechism was written and why it is important to us today.

On every page, a colorful illustration captures the attention and inspires the imagination. I especially love the one depicting Ursinus as he writes the catechism's first question, a text clearly readable, taking up most of the page. I can see how this picture and the story around it can bring this text to new life for a young child who may be memorizing it.

In short, the book tells how the Heidelberg Catechism was devised, composed, and defended in the sixteenth century. After briefly introducing the three main characters of the story’Caspar Olevianus (a professor), Zacharias Ursinus (a pastor), and Frederick III (a prince)’and how God providentially brought them together, Boekestein tells of Frederick's desire to create this catechism, even if other similar documents had already been produced in Europe: "Frederick wanted something simpler, more personal, and more peaceful. He wanted a book that showed the heart of the gospel to men, women, boys, and girls who needed the comfort that only God can give." Boekestein also explains how the text in the catechism was organized and why.

Finally, we learn that the catechism was met with both excitement and anger. The authors were often attacked violently and had to risk their lives to defend this work. This will give our children a greater appreciation for the words they memorize and recite.

At a time when most Christians shy away from a serious study of theology, Boekestein anticipates that his choice of topic may generate some surprise. "Are you serious? A children's book about the composition of a dry, pedagogical, theological document?" he asks in his "Talk to Parents" at the end of the book. His answer is fitting, "This is no ordinary document and the record of its birth is anything but boring."

This is, in my view, the strength of this book. Through its few pages, the author's enthusiasm for this catechism shines through. We get the sense that as a Christian, a pastor, and a father of three young children he has experienced the exciting relevance of this document as an approachable, warm, and practical presentation of the truth of the gospel.

The brevity of the book and its concise style leaves room for further studies for those who want to use it as a springboard to explore the catechism's rich history and doctrine. For this reason, at the end of the book Boekestein provides a list of related books that treat these subjects more in depth.

Boekestein's first book for children, Faithfulness Under Fire, described the difficult, passionate life of Guido de Bres and the making of the Belgic Confession of Faith. Will the author finish the "trilogy," telling the history behind the Canons of Dordt, the last document contained in the Three Forms of Unity of the Reformed faith?

"I have been thinking about it," he recently told me. In spite of his busy schedule, he is hoping to complete the series:

After that, I'm not really sure. I have in mind to write a book on the Westminster Assembly and then perhaps one on Henry Bullinger (and the Second Helvetic Confession). Although the Anglican Church differs in several ways from the Reformed Church, the story of the Thirty-Nine Articles and the life of Thomas Cranmer would make for a worthy and engaging children's book as well. One of my goals is to help a new generation of children to grow up never thinking that the historic confessions are boring or irrelevant. Stories and art can make powerful impressions in the minds of young people, which I hope will aid in their appreciation for the doctrine they may not yet understand.

None of these projects has been confirmed, but they are all exciting intentions. At a time when confessions and creeds are belittled and even disparaged as elements of division, it is important to teach our children why and how they were originally written. It is important to help them understand why people were willing to die to bring doctrinal unity to the church. It is important to show the countless hours these men spent in study, conference, and prayer to summarize the teachings of the Bible with clarity and without doing violence to the text.

Boekestein's books are doing just this. If your children are memorizing a catechism or studying a confession of faith, these books will fire their interest and deepen their understanding. If they are not, they are still a wonderful way of whetting their appetite, encouraging them to discover these historical documents for themselves.

Photo of Simonetta Carr
Simonetta Carr
Simonetta Carr is the author of numerous books, including Broken Pieces and the God Who Mends Them: Schizophrenia through a Mother’s Eyes, and the series Christian Biographies for Young Readers (Reformation Heritage Books).
Thursday, March 1st 2012

“Modern Reformation has championed confessional Reformation theology in an anti-confessional and anti-theological age.”

Picture of J. Ligon Duncan, IIIJ. Ligon Duncan, IIISenior Minister, First Presbyterian Church
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