Book Review: The Good News We Almost Forgot

"The only thing more difficult than finding the truth is not losing it. What starts out as new and precious becomes plain and old. What begins a thrilling discovery becomes a rote exercise. What provokes one generarion to sacrifice and passion becomes in the next generationa a cause for rebellion and apathy..."

With these words, Kevin DeYoung begins The Good News We Almost Forgot, which serves as both an overview of (and a sort of love letter to) the Heidelberg Catechism. I say this, because DeYoung's love for the Heidelberg Catechism shines brightly throughout the book, outshone only be his obvious love for our Savior.

The book follows the pattern of the Catechism with 129 question/answer combinations, divided into 52 groups, intended to be covered one per Lord's Day. DeYoung begins his chapters with a simple statement of the questions and answers to be covered and then goes on to provide commentary for that material.

Those who are unfamiliar with the Heidelberg Catechism will be blessed as they follow it's gospel trajectory of "guilt...grace...gratitude" as it covers the Apostles' Creed, the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer. Those who already love it will be pleased to find in DeYoung a kindred spirit, who describes the Catechism as "trustworthy and beautiful, simple and deep." And those who grew up memorizing the Heidelberg but remember it as a dry, lifeless, rote obligation, just may be surprised to see the Catechism come to life as DeYoung presents it with a passionate zeal.

Too often a high dedication to theological precision leads to a cold crustiness which neglects the Christ-like love that we are to possess, and instead leads us down a pharisaical road of smugness and superiority. What I appreciate about DeYoung (and about the Heidelberg too, for that matter) is the fact that he is quite passionate about theological depth and precision, but at the same time he maintains a winsome, lively and active faith. He sees it this way:

If it is worth anything, our theological heart will pulse throughout our spiritual bodies, making us into people who are more prayerful, more godly, and more passionate about the Bible, the lost, and the world around us. We will be theologically solid to the core, without the unecessary crust. Kind of like the Heidelberg Catechism. And kind of like Jesus too.