Belief (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Belief (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Belief is Section X of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

Sadler introduces the baptismal promise to believe. The section serves as a bridge from renunciation to the articles of Christian faith summarized in the Creed.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "Because I was then baptized into the name of the Ever Blessed Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." He further explains the section by saying, "Yes. It would have been folly and blasphemy for me to have been baptized into a name which I did not believe represented the truth of God's nature."

Theological Themes

• Faith
• Baptismal profession
• Creedal belief
• Christian instruction

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Matthew 18:6
• Mark 9:24
• Luke 17:5

Anglican Context

This section is connected chiefly with the Book of Common Prayer baptismal office and the opening clauses of the Church Catechism, especially the language of Christian name, sponsors, renunciation, faith, and obedience. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Baptism
• Church Catechism
• Book of Common Prayer
• Godparents