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The Baltimore Catechism says:

"God made me to know him, to love him, and to serve him in this world and to be happy with him forever in the next."

Many Catholics have this ingrained in their brains, even if they've forgotten the other 500 things in the Catechism.

What do all other denominations who have catechisms (i.e. Westminster Catechism) consider the meaning of life to be in their catechisms?

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    This may be too broad for the community; indeed, this is an abstract philosophical question. Even though the Q requires other established, doctrinal positions, it would require intense research, and interpretation. Interesting question though. Feb 24, 2018 at 4:45
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    @Abstractioniseverything. I just want an answer from published catechisms. This is more-or-less an experiment to see if a few rules can improve overview questions. christianity.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/6499/…
    – Peter Turner
    Feb 24, 2018 at 4:56

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The Westminster shorter catechism states:

Q. What is the chief end of man?

A. To glorify God and enjoy Him forever!


The Heidelberg Catechism takes a more somber view of man and tackles the question as a follow up

Q. Did God create people so wicked and perverse?

A. No. God created them good and in his own image, that is, in true righteousness and holiness, so that they might truly know God their creator, love him with all their heart, and live with God in eternal happiness, to praise and glorify him.


It was a little difficult to find this is Luther's Small Catechism, but I believe

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. What does this mean?

I believe that God has made me and all creatures; ... out of pure, fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which I owe it to Him to thank, praise, serve, and obey Him. This is most certainly true

Most closely answers the question (although there is a lot of stuff in the middle that seems difficult to memorize)


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    I made this a CW because it certainly not complete, but is a good example of what I'd like in an answer. And I got a little bored reading the Racovian Catechism (no offense to Racovians, but your catechism is boring)
    – Peter Turner
    Feb 24, 2018 at 5:42
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    @abstraction my ideal answer would have as many catechisms from the larger denominations (living and dead) as possible, especially ones never previously translated from German. I could occasionally revisit this and add more answers when appropriate. Or if someone else could independently develop a stellar answer, I'd probably delete this one.
    – Peter Turner
    Mar 9, 2018 at 14:16

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