To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism

Catechesis is an ancient practice of Christian disciple making that uses a simple question-and-answer format to instruct new believers and church members in the core beliefs of Christianity. To Be a Christian, by J. I. Packer and a team of other Anglican leaders, was written to renew this oft-forgotten tradition for today’s Christians. With over 360 questions and answers, plus Scripture references to support each teaching, this catechism covers the full range of Christian doctrine and life, drawing from the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and other important doctrinal summaries. Clear, concise, and conversational, this resource was written for all believers who seek to be grounded more deeply in the truth of God’s Word.

Review
“Memorization has fallen on hard times. To Be a Christian rightly bucks that trend. Only stored treasures can be recollected, and so this Anglican catechism aims to teach the contents of the faith through 368 brief and memorable questions and answers. Centered on Christ from beginning to end, this catechism retrieves the ancient practice of teaching the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. To Be a Christian should find its way into every Anglican church, home, and heart.”
―Hans Boersma, Chair, Order of St. Benedict Servants of Christ Endowed Professorship in Ascetical Theology, Nashotah House Theological Seminary

“With Anglican churches filling with people who know little about orthodox and Anglican thought and practice, we need catechesis more than ever. This catechism will help our churches learn and walk in the beautiful Anglican way of living in the triune God.”
―Gerald R. McDermott, Former Anglican Chair of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School

“Basic Christian instruction has seldom been more necessary than it is today, and this catechism provides a well-rounded foundation for Anglicans who want to acquire a good grasp of their faith and its implications. It will be of great value in parishes and will appeal to young and old alike.”
―Gerald Bray, Research Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

“To Be a Christian is indeed an Anglican catechism and serves well the discipling task of this great, worldwide Christian communion. But it is also a gift to the entire church, presenting with elegance and clarity the rudiments of the historic Christian faith. May it have a very long shelf life and unbounded success!”
―Timothy George, Distinguished Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

“To Be a Christian is a Christ-centered catechism that communicates everything a disciple-in-the-making needs to know in order to become theologically literate and begin living out his or her citizenship of the gospel.”
―Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Research Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

About the Author
J. I. Packer (1926–2020) served as the Board of Governors’ Professor of Theology at Regent College. He authored numerous books, including the classic bestseller Knowing God. Packer also served as general editor for the English Standard Version Bible and as theological editor for the ESV Study Bible.

Joel Scandrett (PhD, Drew University) serves as assistant professor of historical theology and director of the Robert E. Webber Center at Trinity School for Ministry.