Three Reasons to Read the Westminster Larger Catechism (Even If You’re Not a Presbyterian)

The Westminster Larger Catechism may sound like something just for Presbyterians—or theology wonks. But it’s actually a rich resource for any Christian serious about discipleship and biblical living. Let’s explore why you should consider reading it.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

1. It Helps You See What You Might Have Missed

The Bible is deep, and sometimes we miss key connections.

The Westminster Larger Catechism helps summarize how different parts of the Bible fit together. For example, it highlights how Jesus fulfills the three offices of prophet, priest, and king (see Larger Catechism Q. 42-45). It also explains how Christ’s work is divided into two states: humiliation (His suffering and death) and exaltation (His resurrection, ascension, and return).

This framework helps you better grasp the scope of the gospel and Christ’s ongoing work today.

“Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” — Luke 24:26 (ESV)

2. It Provides Detailed and Practical Guidance

The Larger Catechism doesn’t just teach doctrine; it applies it.

For example, its section on the Ten Commandments digs deep into how each command applies to our hearts, words, and actions (Larger Catechism Q. 91-152). It also unpacks the Lord’s Prayer, offering rich guidance on how to pray biblically (Q. 178-196).

This makes it a helpful tool for living out Philippians 1:27: “Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

You’ll likely discover insights you hadn’t considered before—specific ways to love God and your neighbor.

3. It’s Rich Yet Concise

Compared to multi-volume systematic theologies, the Larger Catechism is short—about 100 pages. Yet it’s deep and thorough, helping you understand theology without feeling overwhelmed.

For Christian with busy schedules, it’s a manageable and valuable tool for cultivating spiritual health and maturity.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The Westminster Larger Catechism can deepen your understanding of Scripture, strengthen your daily walk, and equip you to disciple others more effectively. Give it a try—even if you’re not Presbyterian!

• Read the Westminster Larger Catechism online
• Listen to the Larger for Life podcast, a weekly discussion of the Westminster Larger Catechism

Note: Generative AI was used in creating this post. First, I made an audio recording of what I wanted to say. Then, I transcribed the audio using TurboScribe.ai. Finally, I transformed the transcript into a blog post using ChatGPT, and used Grammarly’s Plagiarism Detector to ensure that it was free of plagiarized text.