I just finished reading Dr. Clinton E. Arnold's journal article for JETS on early church catechesis. He references the Didache to argue that early Christians were deeply committed to the instruction and discipleship of new believers. The tradition is clear—early Church Fathers implemented rigorous classroom training, or catechism, often lasting three years for those seeking baptism. Wow! Today, we offer a 1-day new members class or a 4-week primer that barely scratches the surface. The early church was dedicated to making disciples and teaching them to obey (Matt. 28:19–20).
BTW, the article confirms "the Didache probably dates to the end of the first century AD and was complied in Syria or Palestine" (Clinton E. Arnold, "EARLY CHURCH CATECHESIS AND NEW CHRISTIANS’ CLASSES IN CONTEMPORARY EVANGELICALISM," JETS 47/1 (March 2004), footnote no. 10, 41.
I just finished reading Dr. Clinton E. Arnold's journal article for JETS on early church catechesis. He references the Didache to argue that early Christians were deeply committed to the instruction and discipleship of new believers. The tradition is clear—early Church Fathers implemented rigorous classroom training, or catechism, often lasting three years for those seeking baptism. Wow! Today, we offer a 1-day new members class or a 4-week primer that barely scratches the surface. The early church was dedicated to making disciples and teaching them to obey (Matt. 28:19–20).
BTW, the article confirms "the Didache probably dates to the end of the first century AD and was complied in Syria or Palestine" (Clinton E. Arnold, "EARLY CHURCH CATECHESIS AND NEW CHRISTIANS’ CLASSES IN CONTEMPORARY EVANGELICALISM," JETS 47/1 (March 2004), footnote no. 10, 41.
Thanks for this, stumbled upon the Didache at some point. Fascinating historical document and not not forbidding to get into. It's short, at any rate.