The Heidelberg Catechism: A hidden creedal text and catechetical manual in the Malawian Reformed Church 1889-2012
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Date
2014
Authors
Zeze, W. S. D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
English: This article focuses on the reception and the status of the Heidelberg Catechism in the
Church of the Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Nkhoma Synod in Malawi between
1889 and 2012. The constitution, the church order and the liturgical formularies of
the CCAP Nkhoma Synod equally mention that the Heidelberg Catechism is one of
the church’s doctrinal standards. The Catechism had never been translated into
the official language of this Church, implying that the content of the catechism has
been withheld from its members. This leads to the following questions: Was the
Heidelberg Catechism really received in the Nkhoma Synod? Why did the Nkhoma
fail to make the content of the catechism available to its members? Did this Church
realize the implication of a failure to translate the catechism into its official language?
Therefore, this article argues that the Catechism had very little or no influence on the
Church’s theological discourse and practice.
Description
Keywords
Heidelberg Catechism, Hidden creedal text, Catechetical manual, Chichewa, Nkhoma Synod, Missionary era, Malawian Reformed Church
Citation
Zeze, W. S. D. (2014). The Heidelberg Catechism: A hidden creedal text and catechetical manual in the Malawian Reformed Church 1889-2012. Acta Theologica, 34, 250-260.