Read the Reformed confessions side by side

This site presents the historic Reformed confessions and catechisms in their original languages and in translation, arranged so that any two or more versions can be read together in parallel columns — chapter for chapter, article for article, question for question.

Each confession is stored in a database, one chapter (or article, or question and answer) per record, with the Scripture proof-texts kept separately from the main text. You choose a confession, choose the languages and editions you want to compare, and the reader lines them up for you.

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Confessions in the collection

Heidelberg Catechism

1563 · 13 editions

The Heidelberg Catechism (1563), written chiefly by Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus, is a warm, personal summary of the Christian faith in 129 questions and answers, divided into 52 Lord’s Days. It treats the believer’s only comfort under three heads: misery, deliverance, and gratitude.

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Belgic Confession

1561 · 11 editions

The Belgic Confession (1561), drafted by Guido de Brès, is a confession of faith in 37 articles. Written under persecution in the Low Countries, it sets out the Reformed faith concerning God, Scripture, sin, Christ, the church, and the last things.

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Canons of Dordt

1619 · 8 editions

The Canons of Dordt (1618–1619) are the decision of the Synod of Dordt on the five points disputed by the Remonstrants. Each of the main heads of doctrine sets out the positive teaching in numbered articles followed by a rejection of errors.

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About the AI study assistant

The Ask page lets you put a question to the confessions. The assistant retrieves the most relevant passages from the database and answers only on their basis, quoting and citing the confession and article it draws from. If the confessions do not address a question, it will say so.