Definition of the word catechism

The word "catechism" originates from the Greek words "katecho" meaning "to receive" and "schedos" meaning "teaching" or "doctrine". In the early Christian church, catechisms referred to a manual of instruction given to new converts, especially concerning the fundamental teachings of Christianity. The term gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in the Jesuit tradition, where it was used to describe a comprehensive summary of Christian doctrine, often presented in a question-and-answer format. The most famous example is the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a comprehensive summary of Catholic doctrine published in 1992. Today, the term "catechism" is commonly used to describe any instructional manual or guide on Christian doctrine or ethics, although its original meaning and context have broadened to encompass various Christian denominations.