This unique collection of essays traces the history of catechesis in the Church over the past 2000 years and examines both past and recent developments with an eye to seeing the challenges and problems besetting the Church's future educational ministry. Looking at the present and the future, John Westerhoff writes the opening and closing chapters. Historical essays--treating the New Testament, Ancient, and Medieval Churches: the Continental and English Reformations; the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox experiences; and the Church in America-are contributed by O. C. Edwards, Leonel Mitchell, Milton Gatch. William Haugaard, Fredrica Thompsett, Mary Charles Bryce, Constance Tarasar, and John Booty.