An Explication of the Shorter Catechism

“The most important early American Presbyterian you have never heard of, full of the humble spirit of Christianity, missionary zeal, and love for biblical truth as expressed in the confessions; a helpful and timely resource.”

“For some, the name John Thomson has antiquarian interest. As one of the leaders of Old Side Presbyterianism in the American colonies, any work by him would flesh out our understanding of the early days of American Presbyterianism. But S. A. Fix has not only provided a historical document, but a living explication of one of the key Presbyterian confessional standards. Here is something rich, contemporary, and vital for the church today—highly recommended.”

“John Thomson, a founding father of American Presbyterianism, was the primary author of the 1729 Adopting Act that established the Westminster Standards as the official confessional documents of the newly planted American Presbyterian Church. A long lost jewel from Thomson’s theological pen has been recovered by his seventh-great grandson, S.A. Fix. Thomson‘s An Explication of the Shorter Catechism not only provides a rich exposition of this classic statement of Christian theology and life, but offers keen insights that remain relevant for Christians today. Moreover, S.A. Fix introduces his familial and theological ancestor’s passionate biblical and theological exposition with a valuable historical narrative. Fix’s analysis presents helpful insights into the birth of American Presbyterianism and early controversies that shaped the early churches, such as the Old Side and New Side factions, that formed in the wake of the First Great Awakening. I highly recommend this study to serious students of the Christian faith and all who seek to understand the growth of the church in early America”

“John Thomson’s Explication is, in effect, a catechism of the catechism, as it explains the doctrine of each of the 107 questions of the Westminster Shorter Catechism with a set of questions and answers, ranging in length and number. By updating the Explication into modern English, S. A. Fix provides a concise and accessible resource for contemporary students of the Shorter Catechism. But this book has even more to offer. Fix’s biographical essay acquaints us with Thomson, who is among the most important representatives of Old Side Presbyterianism. The Old Side in Colonial America is among the least studied parties in American Presbyterian history. Progressives dismiss them for their loyalty to the Westminster Standards and evangelicals suspect them over their qualms about revivalism. Fix’s introduction to this forgotten voice invites us to reconsider the rich confessional piety of Old Side Presbyterianism.”

“S.A. Fix has done the church a great service by not only bringing Thomson’s neglected work into the light of day, but by providing such a learned and illuminating introduction to Thomson himself. Thomson’s Explication of the Shorter Catechism is a masterful example of orderliness, comprehensiveness, and eighteenth-century Old School piety. Both Fix’s introduction and Thomson’s commentary deserve careful reading and re-reading.”

“If, like me, you’ve never heard of John Thomson, you’re in for a treat. On its own, Thomson’s commentary is full of profound and relevant truth. But Fix’s introduction is a terrific summary of the early days of American Presbyterianism to which Thomson contributed significantly. Excellent for group study or personal enrichment, this book is an outstanding gem of Reformed piety.”

“Early American Presbyterianism has not been explored nearly enough. There are many men, and many forgotten writings, which Christians today would greatly benefit from studying. This is why I am so delighted to see John Thomson’s reflections on the shorter catechism back in print. Thomson’s life is inspiring, and his work on the catechism is both historically significant and pastorally useful. I recommend this book to any interested in the history of Presbyterianism in America, and to any who want to think more deeply about the great doctrines of our faith.”

“The Reformed community owes a debt of gratitude to S.A. Fix for bringing back to light this work from an important American Presbyterian we had almost forgotten. John Thomson’s work on the Shorter Catechism will be a great resource for those studying or teaching the Westminster Standards, or even for those just needing a refresher on Reformed systematic theology. And Fix's extended introduction to Thomson’s life and work is almost worth the price of the book on its own.”

“John Thomson’s An Explication of the Shorter Catechism offers a masterful exposition of the Catechism’s biblical foundations, theological depth, and pastoral application, all with exceptional clarity and insight. Even those well-versed in the catechism will find fresh perspectives that enrich personal study, family devotions, and the Christian life. Churches committed to grounding their members in confessional Reformed theology will find this work an invaluable resource for equipping believers with a firm grasp of biblical truth. S. A. Fix is to be highly commended—not only for producing this new edition, but more importantly, for reintroducing Thomson’s vital theological insights and pastoral warmth to a church deeply in need of both. This volume is a significant contribution to theological scholarship and practical discipleship within the Reformed tradition.”

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Stephen Fix for bringing John Thomson's work on the Westminster Shorter Catechism to print. As a pastor, professor, and father, I cannot stress how important the shorter catechism has been to my life and ministry. Now, we have this wonderful resource that is not only clear and insightful, but also winsome and practical. Thomson's gifts, as the helpful introduction to the work states, were both in his precise and pastoral words. In every age and in every area, be it 18th-century America or 21st-century Asia, there is this need for the teaching of clear, cogent, and compassionate biblical truth. This resource will be a great aid for years to come.”