[jo kus]

I suppose our catechisis is a la little more rigorous than either of yours' — the Orthodox Divine Liturgy still has the Litany of Catechumens, and a lengthy catechumization ("learning") period before baptism/chrismation that involves a lot of questions and asnwers and therefore is not based on rote memory.

I doubt it. We have a period of learning, as well, called "RCIA", (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) which usually lasts about 9-12 months. The catechumens learn the catechism, but it is not in a "rote memorization" background. We try to give objective teachings to ground their subjective experiences of the Risen Lord in the sacraments, scripture, prayer, liturgy, and daily life. Personally, I don't think memorizing the Baltimore Catechism is conducive to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

My agreement with Harley is based on that, not on the content, of course. Knowledge puffs up, love builds up, so Paul wrote. I think it is easy to fall into a trap when we have too much knowledge and not enough prayer in our lives...

Regards

[kosta50]

I doubt it. We have a period of learning, as well, called "RCIA", (Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults) which usually lasts about 9-12 months

That was my understanding, which is why I thought your answer was somewhat odd, but in the cotext in which you explain it is quite understandable.

Maybe HarleyD would grace us with the knowledge what Reformed catechis is all about. I promise I will have an open mind, at least for a while. :)