Description
Our "only comfort," declares the Heidelberg Catechism, is that we belong—"body and soul, in life and in death"—to our "faithful Savior Jesus Christ." Fred H. Klooster, lifetime scholar of the Heidelberg, explains all this and more as he expounds on the catechism commissioned by Elector Frederick III in Germany for teaching believers in the Christian faith. This two-volume commentary includes
- full catechism texts in both German and English
- detailed expositions of every Q&A in the catechism
- word studies on many important terms
- doctrinal summaries and explanations
- historical surveys telling much of the story behind the Heidelberg
- applications for preachers, teachers, and students of the catechism
This Heidelberg Catechism commentary, the culmination of Klooster's life's work as a professor, scholar, and writer, teaches the catechism in a faith-filled, engaging way that portrays the solid, biblical teaching intended by the Reformers who wrote it years ago.
Reviews
"The Heidelberg Catechism is a jewel of confessional literature, and Fred Klooster displays its facets with a master's knowledge. This mature study is the crowning achievement of a life's reflection." —Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.; President, Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
"As learners are questioning the relevance of the Heidelberg Catechism for 21st-century Christians, the publication of Fred Klooster's comprehensive commentary is just in time. The author's credible, scholarly, and competent work combines intensive exposition with extensive research on the history and origin of the catechism. I warmly recommend it to all who want to understand the Heidelberg Catechism in greater depth." —Kadarmanto Hardjowasito; President, Reformed Ecumenical Council; Pastor, Javanese Christian Churches, Indonesia
"This splendid commentary fills a long-felt need for a thorough, scholarly, and accessible commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism. There is nothing quite like it in any language in regard to the depth of analysis and biblical and theological interpretation. It is also written in a clear and lively style that will commend it to interested lay readers as well as pastors and scholars." —I. John Hesselink, Albertus C. Van Raalte Professor of Systematic Theology, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan
"Having preached the teachings of the Heidelberg Catechism for three decades and having taught 'Catechism Preaching' to seminarians, I only wish this book had been available to me years ago. The Heidelberg Catechism is one of the most cross- culturally adapted confessions still in active use today. For those who teach, preach, study, or simply confess the biblical insights of the Heidelberg Catechism, Our Only Comfort provides the most comprehensive handbook available for an informed understanding of this classic Reformation confession. Dr. Klooster has blessed us all with this effort. The book is a fitting capstone to an illustrious career as a scholarly servant of the church." —Carl E. Zylstra, President, Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa
"This is a substantive study of the Heidelberg Catechism and is designed to introduce the reader to the riches of this beautiful Reformed confession. The author's love for the catechism --the 'little song of comfort'--is palpable on on every page. This two-volume commentary reveals rigorous historical research, prodigious work, and reliable interpretation. It is highly recommended for pastors, scholars, and serious and serious students alike. It belongs on every pastor's bookshelf, and hopefully will be ordered by every church librarian. Well worth the price." —Michael De Vries, retired minister of the the Christian Reformed Church, Holland, Michigan
"After reading Our Only Comfort, I am newly intrigued with the possibilities of preaching the catechism." —Clay Libolt, pastor of East Terrace Christian Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan