Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 5 of 107

Are there more Gods than one?

A.There is but one only, the living and true God.

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 5. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

  1. Deuteronomy 6:4

    Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! (NET)

  2. Jeremiah 10:10

    The Lord is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King. When he shows his anger, the earth shakes. None of the nations can stand up to his fury. (NET)

What does this answer mean?

There is only one God. The answer calls him the living and true God, which sets him apart from idols that are made by people and have no life or power. Because there is only one God, he alone is to be worshiped, trusted and obeyed.

What can we ask our children?

  1. How many gods are there?
  2. What is the difference between the living God and an idol?
  3. Why does it matter that there is only one God to worship?

Can I print this question?

Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.

Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.

Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.