Growing up as a Dutch Presbyterian with parents from a Christian Reformed Church background, I was always familiar with the Heidelberg Catechism, but I did not have many opportunities to read and study it myself. And when I had the opportunity, I was intimidated by the thought of studying something outside my Presbyterian tradition, despite knowing that it would have many wonderful theological and pastoral observations.
Venturing into uncharted territory is daunting. That is, unless you have a good and trustworthy guide. For those who want to study the depths of the Heidelberg Catechism beyond its famed first question, R. Scott Clark’s book, The Heidelberg Catechism (Lexham, 2025) is such a guide.
Every book has a context and occasion for which it is written, and understanding the background is critical for understanding a work. Knowing the history leading up to and during the Westminster Assembly illuminates the Westminster Standards. Most Presbyterians (myself included) are probably unfamiliar with the historical and political context in which the Heidelberg Catechism was produced so Clark helpfully documents the key dates and theological and political figures in Germany during the time the catechism was written (4—9).
Clark sets the scene and provides details on the catechism’s influential authors and editors. He draws on his extensive knowledge of church history to add valuable insights throughout this book. Given Clark’s earlier work on Casper Olevian, one of the influential figures in producing the Heidelberg Catechism, it is not surprising that he has a wealth of knowledge to deepen readers’ understanding of the catechism.
Additionally, Clark sketches Zachary Ursinus, the chief author of the Heidelberg Catechism (9), from original sources and Clark’s own research. This scholarship alone, which brings to life two essential theologians of the Heidelberg Catechism, makes this book a wonderful resource.
Nevertheless, Clark doesn’t miss the forest for his scholarship on the trees. The book on the whole is impressive in its historical survey and insights. Clark’s decades of studying church history shine through the pages. The details on church figures, councils, and events spanning the early and medieval church, Reformation, and modern church mean this work — while having a steep learning curve — will greatly benefit anyone who wants to learn church history along with the Heidelberg Catechism. First-time students will surely be rewarded by the reading, but even experienced church history students will expand their knowledge. Read more»
Arie van Weelden | “Why Study The Heidelberg Catechism” | January 16, 2026
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