# Catechism in France

In Christianity, the term catechism refers to the instruction of Christian doctrines. It often takes the form of an official presentation of the articles of faith, serving as a foundational tool for catechesis, which encompasses actions aimed at educating children, young people, and adults about Christian doctrine. Catechesis is a key component of the evangelical mission of Christianity.

## History and Etymology

The words "catechism" and "catechesis" are derived from the ancient Greek verb κατηχέω (katēkhéō), meaning "to make resound in the ears, hence to instruct orally."
From the second generation of Christians, the need for instruction became apparent to deepen the faith that arose from initial conversion.
The literary genre of catechisms did not emerge during the Reformation of the 16th century but has much older origins, dating from early Christianity through the Middle Ages, which fostered a long tradition of summae on sins.
From the 16th century, catechisms became vital tools for social change, in addition to their religious dimension. The Protestant Reformation introduced the catechism in its modern form. Notable examples include Martin Luther's Small Catechism and Large Catechism (1529) for Lutherans, and the Heidelberg Catechism for Reformed Christians. These catechisms presented the essentials of Christian doctrine: articles of faith (the creed), sacraments, morality, and the Lord's Prayer. Luther observed that 16th-century Christians practiced their faith and followed moral teachings but lacked an understanding of their beliefs. The catechism aimed to address this knowledge gap. Catholics adopted Luther's concept, creating their own catechisms, such as the Catechism of Canisius (1555) and those developed during and after the Council of Trent (e.g., the Catechism of Bellarmine and the Catechism of the Council of Trent), with an obligation for priests to teach these to parish children.
In France, many parishes offer faith awakening sessions for children aged 3 or 4. From the second grade (ages 7–8), formal catechism classes begin, preparing children for their First Communion in the fourth grade (ages 9–10). Upon entering middle school (ages 11–12), catechism is succeeded by chaplaincy programs, where students prepare for their profession of faith (formerly solemn communion) and confirmation by the age of 14–15.

#### Timeline of Catechisms in France
##### Reformed Catechisms

* 1542: Catechism of the Church of Geneva, the oldest catechism of the Reformed Church of France.
* 1563: Heidelberg Catechism, widely used in Reformed Confessional Churches.

##### Catholic Catechisms

Initially, catechisms were intended for children's education. Today, in the Catholic Church, the term often refers to children's religious education, although "catechesis" is the correct term in official Church texts. Strictly speaking, catechism denotes a summary of Christian doctrine, while catechesis encompasses faith education for all ages.
Key Catholic catechisms include:
* 1554: Catechism of Canisius, written in Latin for students and in German for the general public.
* 1566: Catechism of the Council of Trent, aimed at clergy for teaching the public.
* 1597: Catechism of Robert Bellarmine, written in Latin and later translated into French by Francis de Sales.
* 1806: Imperial National Catechism, developed under Napoleon I.
* 1906: Catechism of Saint Pius X, created under Roman authority, widely disseminated in Italy.
* 1992: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), promulgated by the Vatican.

##### Orthodox Catechisms

* 2021: Faith, Liturgy, and Life of the Orthodox Church: An Outline of Orthodox Catechism, by Hieromonk Gregory (Chatziemmanouil) of Mount Athos.

##### Catechism in Schools

In 1850, the Falloux Laws mandated that teachers teach catechism in schools. However, the 1882 Jules Ferry Laws abolished religious moral instruction in schools but allowed families to send children to catechism outside school hours.

## Other Uses of the Term Catechism

By the late 18th century, "catechism" was adopted for secular uses, especially in political contexts. These "political catechisms" often utilized the question-and-answer format to succinctly present political ideologies.
The term has also been used by atheist and non-Christian philosophers, such as:
* Saint-Simon (Catechism of Industrialists)
* Auguste Comte (Positivist Catechism)

## See Also

* Sunday school
* Catechumen (learner)
* Catechist (teacher)