The Westminster Shorter Catechism is one small part of the documents collectively known as the Westminster Standards , arising from the work of the Westminster Assembly which met from 1643-53. Why this separate issue of the Shorter Catechism? It is intended to encourage both young and old to read and memorise the sound teaching to be found here. The Catechism covers the teaching found in the Apostles Creed (included at the end of the Catechism), the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments. As Kevin Bidwell says of the first question and answer (Q1. What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.), is “the product of collective genius and provides the best description of the Christian life that I have ever come across.” This version of the Shorter Catechism is very lightly modernised, and contains the full Bible references of the original. This version also appears in The Westminster Standards in Modern English by Kevin Bidwell (along with the complete Standards) and The Westminster Standards for Today: their history, practice and benefits (the Standards plus essays by various authors) edited by Kevin Bidwell.
