How do you pass on the faith to the next generation — not just as head knowledge, but as something that shapes how your kids see the world? That's the question behind the New City Catechism, a free resource that distills the core doctrines of Christianity into 52 questions and answers — one for every week of the year.^1
Adapted by Tim Keller and Sam Shammas from the great Reformation-era catechisms (Calvin's Geneva Catechism, the Westminster Shorter and Larger Catechisms, and the Heidelberg Catechism), the New City Catechism is designed for both adults and children to learn together.^2 The app pairs each question and answer with an ESV Scripture reading, a short prayer, and devotional commentary from respected pastors including John Piper, Timothy Keller, Kevin DeYoung, and others. A children's mode offers simplified answers and kid-friendly songs designed to make memorization natural and even fun — families report their kids singing the catechism in the car and around the house.^3
A joint project of The Gospel Coalition and Crossway, the New City Catechism has surpassed 500,000 units sold across its suite of print and digital formats.^4 Tim Keller, who cofounded TGC and championed the renewal of catechesis in the modern church, wrote in the introduction: "If we re-engage in this biblical practice in our churches, we will find again God's Word 'dwelling in us richly' (see Col. 3:16), because the practice of catechesis takes truth deep into our hearts, so we think in biblical categories as soon as we can reason."^2
Why Christians Love the New City Catechism: "The way this catechism systematizes the core doctrines and beliefs of the Gospel and the way that it also protects against heresies by being absolutely grounded in scripture is absolutely astounding. Aesthetically, it's rather lovely because of the color coded sections and the little animations. Definitely a huge blessing to the modern day church."^3 Another user shared, "I absolutely love this app! It is user friendly, has a great design, and the songs are amazing. I'm very glad I found this app as an aid for me and my children to memorize the catechism!"^5 Families describe using it as a daily morning routine — one family shared on The Gospel Coalition that "even our 4-year-old has memorized about half of The New City Catechism through song."^6
Keller himself told a beautiful story of catechesis in action: his young son Jonathan, after learning the first few catechism questions, was found by his babysitter staring out a window. When asked what he was thinking about, he replied, "God — how he made all things for his own glory."^2
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web Pricing: Free
