Dr. Stephen Fix talks about John Thomson’s An Explication of the  Shorter Catechism. Thomson was an early American presbyterian who played an important part in American Presbyterian history. Dr. Fix is his seven-times great grandson.

This work is important for two reasons, first, it is representative of Old Side  Presbyterianism during the first Great Awakening, and second, it is an excellent catechism on the catechism itself. Ruling elders will find the history just as helpful as the approach to explaining the catechism.

John Thomson, An Explication of the Shorter Catechism, edited by Dr. S. A. Fix, with an introduction to John Thomson and his work. (Westminster Seminary Press 2025).

For more information on Robert Letham on the Covenant of Redemption see his book The Westminster Assembly: Reading Its Theology in Historical Context, pp. 235-6, (and fn. 34.), P&R, 2009

Dr. Fix’s book recommendations.

• The Bible. (Especially recommended is the Crossway ESV with Creeds and Confessions)
• Zach Keele and Michael Brown, Sacred Bond: Covenant Theology Explored (2nd Ed), Reformed Fellowship, Inc. 2019. (Available in Kindle)
• Robert H. Thune, Gospel Eldership: Equipping a New Generation of Servant Leaders, New Growth Press, 2016