“Craig Barnes is one of the most thoughtful and engaging minds around. “The work of pastors and the work of theologians have been Body & Soul will be a feast for your heart and mind.” ‘put asunder’ by far too many in the American church, impoverishing JOHN ORTBERG both vocations. Craig Barnes uses the Heidelberg Catechism as a loom Author and senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church to skillfully weave them into a seamless garment. This is a rare work of beauty and blessing.” EUGENE PETERSON In this groundbreaking book, theologian, pas- ADDITIONAL tor, and popular author M. Craig Barnes reveals RESOURCES the Heidelberg Catechism’s true identity. Companion DVD— It’s not a list of doctrinal questions and features video intro- answers. It’s not a cut-and-dried summary of ductions by M. Craig what Christians believe. It’s a deeply personal Barnes for use in a statement of faith and a surprisingly contem- six-session study. porary guide for everyday life. Event kit—provides You’ll find that this 450-year-old confes- resources for using sion is a reliable and inspiring companion in Body & Soul as the RECLAIMING THE a world where faith and doubt coexist. You’ll basis of a six-week HEIDELBERG CATECHISM also find comfort in belonging, body and soul, all-church study. ~ to the triune God. M. Craig Barnes is a pastor, a professor, and president of Princeton Theologi- cal Seminary. He is the author of eight books, including Yearning, When God Interrupts, Hustling God, Sacred Thirst, and The Pastor as Minor Poet. RELIGION / Christian Life / General 150580 For additional resources, visit FaithAliveResources.org. 33950 Body & Soul_cover.indd 1 10/24/12 10:22 PM “The work of pastors and the work of theologians have been ‘put asunder’ by far too many in the American church, impoverish- ing both vocations. Craig Barnes uses the Heidelberg Catechism as a loom to skillfully weave them into a seamless garment. This is a rare work of beauty and blessing.” EUGENE PETERSON “Craig Barnes is one of the most thoughtful and engaging minds around. Body & Soul will be a feast for your heart and mind.” JOHN ORTBERG, AUTHOR AND SENIOR PASTOR OF MENLO PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH “I can think of no one better than Craig Barnes to introduce the Heidelberg Catechism to contemporary Christians. The Catechism is a gift to the church, and so is Barnes’ clear and illuminating book. Seekers, newcomers, and old hands in the church all will benefit from his thoughtful reflections.” DR. RICHARD LISCHER, DUKE DIVINITY SCHOOL “To engage a catechism is to enter into a holy conversation. Craig Barnes brings insights as a pastor and church historian to the new translation of the Heidelberg. I encourage you to use his study guide to begin your own sacred dialogue.” GRADYE PARSONS, STATED CLERK, OFFICE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PC(USA) “The beauty of the Heidelberg Catechism and the clarity of Craig Barnes’ teaching bring the Good News into high definition. Treat yourself to this book, and then share the joy!” PAUL DETTERMAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PRESBYTERIANS FOR RENEWAL 33950 Body & Soul_text.indd 1 10/24/12 9:30 PM ii 33950 Body & Soul_text.indd 2 10/24/12 9:30 PM & 33950 Body & Soul_text.indd 1 10/24/12 9:30 PM 33950 Body & Soul_text.indd 2 10/24/12 9:30 PM RECLAIMING THE HEIDELBERG CATECHISM Grand Rapids, Michigan Louisville, Kentucky 33950 Body & Soul_text.indd 3 10/24/12 9:30 PM Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations in this publi- cation are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Cover: Dean Heetderks Body and Soul: Reclaiming the Heidelberg Catechism © 2012 by Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560 and Congregational Ministries Pub- lishing, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Louisville, KY. All rights reserved. With the exception of brief excerpts for review pur- poses, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publishers. For information about use of copyrighted material, please contact Permissions, Faith Alive Christian Resources, 2850 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49560; phone: 1-800-333-8300; fax: 616-726-1164; email: [email protected]. Printed in the United States of America. ISBN 978-1-59255-745-5 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 33950 Body & Soul_text.indd 4 10/24/12 9:30 PM In memory of the Reverend John Whallon, my college pastor, who introduced me to the Reformed tradition. I rejoice that you are a part of the communion of saints, because I still need your encouragement. 5 33950 Body & Soul_text.indd 5 10/24/12 9:30 PM 33950 Body & Soul_text.indd 6 10/24/12 9:30 PM CONTENTS Introduction ..........................................9 The Only Comfort (Q&A 1) ........................... 13 Our Misery and Our Mediator (Q&A 2-25). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Our Thorough Salvation (Q&A 26-52) .................. 61 The Spirit and the Sacraments (Q&A 53-85) ............. 85 The Grateful Life (Q&A 86-115) ...................... 107 Teach Us to Pray (Q&A 116-129) ..................... 139 The Heidelberg Catechism ........................... 163 Notes ............................................. 237 33950 Body & Soul_text.indd 7 10/24/12 9:30 PM