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Small Catechism, with Explanation
Contains the basic principles of the Lutheran religion with some explanation.
268 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1529
454 people are currently reading
1209 people want to read
About the author
Martin Luther
4,982 books795 followersMartin Luther (1483-1546) was a German monk, theologian, university professor and church reformer whose ideas inspired the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Western civilization.
Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a spiritual priesthood. According to Luther, salvation was a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.
Luther's confrontation with Charles V at the Diet of Worms over freedom of conscience in 1521 and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being declared an outlaw of the state as he had been excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Because of the perceived unity of the medieval Church with the secular rulers of western Europe, the widespread acceptance of Luther's doctrines and popular vindication of his thinking on individual liberties were both phenomenal and unprecedented.
His translation of the Bible into the vernacular, making it more accessible to ordinary people, had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.
Much scholarly debate has concentrated on Luther's writings about the Jews. His statements that Jews' homes should be destroyed, their synagogues burned, money confiscated and liberty curtailed were revived and used in propaganda by the Nazis in 1933–45. As a result of this and his revolutionary theological views, his legacy remains controversial.
Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a spiritual priesthood. According to Luther, salvation was a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.
Luther's confrontation with Charles V at the Diet of Worms over freedom of conscience in 1521 and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being declared an outlaw of the state as he had been excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Because of the perceived unity of the medieval Church with the secular rulers of western Europe, the widespread acceptance of Luther's doctrines and popular vindication of his thinking on individual liberties were both phenomenal and unprecedented.
His translation of the Bible into the vernacular, making it more accessible to ordinary people, had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.
Much scholarly debate has concentrated on Luther's writings about the Jews. His statements that Jews' homes should be destroyed, their synagogues burned, money confiscated and liberty curtailed were revived and used in propaganda by the Nazis in 1933–45. As a result of this and his revolutionary theological views, his legacy remains controversial.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
December 1, 2011
My wife grew up in a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and has had this catechism on her shelf for a long time. I decided I would pick it up and give it a read for myself. To put it shortly I was astounded. That is not to say that I am in full agreement with all it contains, but I must say there was very little that I can say in disagreement. I have found this little book to be incredibly helpful, and while I will not likely catechize my own children with it, I will return to it often on various matters.
What caused me to want to read this catechism is the ever raging debate over the nature and scope of the atonement. I have firmly believed that Christ indeed died for all, and yet that many are lost, and still believe that to this day. Calvinism's answer that Christ died for all, but not in the same way, or with the same effects, has rung hollow with me. On the flip side, Arminianism's claim that Christ died for all, and that somehow our co-operation with God applies this to us (synergism) borders (though I don't think actually reaches) semi-pelagianism which asserts that in some manner our belief and faith are our own works and not gifts imparted by God. I was unaware of a the third answer of confessional Lutheranism. As I came to realize that Lutherans offered a view of the atonement that is different from what both Arminians and Calvinists teach I determined that I would look into it, and thus picked this catechism off of my wife's shelf and read it.
I give this book five stars simply because it's treatment of the atonement was so excellent. If I disagreed (which I don't) with everything which it said about the sacraments, the commandments, and the creed, I would still be compelled to give it this rating because of how it handles the atonement. The Lutheran position clearly teaches monergism (salvation is entirely a work of God, not dependent on co-operation with Him as Arminians teach) and yet does not limit the atonement's effectiveness to the select few as though the cross only accomplished atonement for a few (as Calvinists teach).
Anyway, this is a worthwhile read, and can be gone through very quickly. Half, if not more, of it is straight scripture quotation, and frankly it is just plain good. I will come back to this book often.
What caused me to want to read this catechism is the ever raging debate over the nature and scope of the atonement. I have firmly believed that Christ indeed died for all, and yet that many are lost, and still believe that to this day. Calvinism's answer that Christ died for all, but not in the same way, or with the same effects, has rung hollow with me. On the flip side, Arminianism's claim that Christ died for all, and that somehow our co-operation with God applies this to us (synergism) borders (though I don't think actually reaches) semi-pelagianism which asserts that in some manner our belief and faith are our own works and not gifts imparted by God. I was unaware of a the third answer of confessional Lutheranism. As I came to realize that Lutherans offered a view of the atonement that is different from what both Arminians and Calvinists teach I determined that I would look into it, and thus picked this catechism off of my wife's shelf and read it.
I give this book five stars simply because it's treatment of the atonement was so excellent. If I disagreed (which I don't) with everything which it said about the sacraments, the commandments, and the creed, I would still be compelled to give it this rating because of how it handles the atonement. The Lutheran position clearly teaches monergism (salvation is entirely a work of God, not dependent on co-operation with Him as Arminians teach) and yet does not limit the atonement's effectiveness to the select few as though the cross only accomplished atonement for a few (as Calvinists teach).
Anyway, this is a worthwhile read, and can be gone through very quickly. Half, if not more, of it is straight scripture quotation, and frankly it is just plain good. I will come back to this book often.
January 9, 2013
I come from a family of Lutherans, but we did not attend church much past my young childhood, and I have to admit I was not well versed in many of the doctrines of the Lutheran Church prior to reading this book.
This small book, set up in a question and answer format, does a remarkably good job of setting down Luther's beliefs for the church, with quoted scriptures to back up his reasoning. The book covers the Ten Commandments, the Apostles'Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacraments, Baptism, Confession, and Communion.
I admit that I am glad to have read this book, and it has earned a place on my bookshelf of books from my personel journey of faith and religious studies.
This small book, set up in a question and answer format, does a remarkably good job of setting down Luther's beliefs for the church, with quoted scriptures to back up his reasoning. The book covers the Ten Commandments, the Apostles'Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacraments, Baptism, Confession, and Communion.
I admit that I am glad to have read this book, and it has earned a place on my bookshelf of books from my personel journey of faith and religious studies.
June 22, 2025
Our faith, clearly explained, simple and unpretentious, as a father would explain it to his children. I remain especially moved by Luther's analyses of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. I am not wholly comfortable giving this book a rating, but I will say 5 stars, partly for its clarity in presenting theological ideas, and partly for how useful it has proved over the last several centuries. Dr. Martin Luther famously said, "You can burn all of my books except for two." This is one of the ones he would save.
November 24, 2020
Q. *insert theological question*
A. *insert scripture*
Q. Why do we need this catechism then?
A. Uh....
A. *insert scripture*
Q. Why do we need this catechism then?
A. Uh....
July 29, 2025
Slowly making my way through Martin Luther’s repertoire, starting with his shorter works first. “The Small Catechism” is a succinct set of instructions handy for personal devotions and also for sharing with young children or new converts. This catechism exposits the Ten Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, as well as baptism, confession, and the sacrament of the altar; it provides daily prayers (morning and evening prayers, prayers of thanksgiving before/after eating); and it provides a table of duties for pastors and preachers, government, citizens, employers, employees, husbands, wives, children, and parents.
The translation I used was made available through: https://blc.edu/comm/gargy/gargy1/els.... I personally preferred this over the contemporary English translations.
Highlighted quotes:
The translation I used was made available through: https://blc.edu/comm/gargy/gargy1/els.... I personally preferred this over the contemporary English translations.
Highlighted quotes:
HALLOWED BE THY NAME
“God’s name is hallowed when His Word is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the children of God live holy lives according to it. This grant us, dear Father in heaven! But he who teaches and lives otherwise than the Word of God teaches dishonors God’s name among us. From this preserve us, heavenly Father!”
AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES, AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US
“But we pray that He would give us everything by grace, for we daily sin much and deserve nothing but punishment; and we on our part will heartily forgive and readily do good to those who sin against us.”
PASTORS AND PREACHERS
“A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence…not a novice….holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convict those who contradict. 1 Timothy 3:2-4 and 6; Titus 1-9.”
CIVIL GOVERNMENT
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you then want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who does evil. Romans 13:1-4.”
CITIZENS
“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. Matthew 22:21.
Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Romans 13:5-7.”
EMPLOYEES
“Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Ephesians 6:5-8.”
December 25, 2024
A nice, concise catechesis on the Ten Words, the Apostles Creed, the Lord’s Prayer (also Lord’s supper, baptism, and confession). Edifying, worshipful, and Word-centered - still a Baptist though!
January 5, 2019
Good to revisit this every once in a while. One small part of my long quest to read all the Lutheran confessions someday.
October 28, 2019
I have to say that my years of saying, "I'm a lapsed Lutheran" are behind me. I was raised with this small catechism and the words are etched into my heart -- so reading it again I found myself tumbling back through time. I wouldn't teach my children with these exact words but I can respect what Martin had to work with at the time and his tireless quest to uncover Jesus' simple teaching leaves me exhausted and grateful just thinking of it.
I don't believe that any religion is superior to any other, they're all designed to lead us to the light.
I don't believe that any religion is superior to any other, they're all designed to lead us to the light.
February 1, 2025
This is the note at the end of this catechism 😂: "These questions and answers are no child’s play, but are drawn up with great earnestness of purpose by the venerable and pious Dr. Luther for both young and old. Let each one take heed and likewise consider it a serious matter; for St. Paul writes to the Galatians, chapter six: “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked.”"
A brief outline of what's in this catechism: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, Confession, Holy Supper. Then he has some prayers for morning, evening and before and after meals, the roles of the offices of the church and family life. Finally the last Q&A: "After confession and instruction in the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Holy Supper, the pastor may ask, or one may ask himself [these questions]".
From this catechism, it's clear how Luther departs from Catholic theology. For example, confession can happen between anyone in Christ and the receiver of the confession has authority to forgive before God in heaven. Or the Holy Supper, Luther holds that "the true body and blood of Christ are in the Sacrament," but doesn't go as far as the Catholic view to explain how it happens (transubstantiation). I would argue, however, that Luther is not as distinct from Catholicism as we might usually think—or even like to think. And he might not be happy with how many lay evangelicals today completely dismiss or condemn Catholics even though he would strongly disagree with Catholics on matters such as salvation and the sacraments.
One observation and one question:
Observation. The impact of Luther on our understanding of the gospel is profound, for better or for worse. For example, his assertion that you can know that you're a sinner because you break the Ten Commandments and that you need to trust in Jesus to be saved from your sin feels so contemporary—I can't help but think of all the evangelistic encounters on YouTube that "get" sinners with the Decalogue. We just assume that this articulation is the full story, with all of its assumptions. (I noticed, however, that Luther does not mention "heaven". And even if he did, I wonder if our understandings of heaven would be the same.)
Question(s). Given that observation, I understand that my question might be anachronistic since, from my understanding, final salvation was really what was at stake for Luther. Nevertheless, How does sanctification in this life happen for Luther? He definitely acknowledges that we have a daily sin problem, here on earth, but how do we make actual progress in holiness? Or would he think he already answers this question or that this question is missing his point?
It seems to me that he fuses justification and sanctification together and pushes it into the eschaton and that all we can do here on earth is believe in Scripture and the Gospel in it, take the Holy Supper and pray for forgiveness (obviously an oversimplification). Even though this might not have been a contemporary question for him, I do wonder what insights he would have to share with us today because, of course, we are in a discipleship crisis where the question of sanctification and growing in Christ matter deeply. (I still think Bonhoeffer is an essential perspective today as begins to develop sanctification from a Lutheran perspective and we can look to him for some insight).
A brief outline of what's in this catechism: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, Confession, Holy Supper. Then he has some prayers for morning, evening and before and after meals, the roles of the offices of the church and family life. Finally the last Q&A: "After confession and instruction in the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Holy Supper, the pastor may ask, or one may ask himself [these questions]".
From this catechism, it's clear how Luther departs from Catholic theology. For example, confession can happen between anyone in Christ and the receiver of the confession has authority to forgive before God in heaven. Or the Holy Supper, Luther holds that "the true body and blood of Christ are in the Sacrament," but doesn't go as far as the Catholic view to explain how it happens (transubstantiation). I would argue, however, that Luther is not as distinct from Catholicism as we might usually think—or even like to think. And he might not be happy with how many lay evangelicals today completely dismiss or condemn Catholics even though he would strongly disagree with Catholics on matters such as salvation and the sacraments.
One observation and one question:
Observation. The impact of Luther on our understanding of the gospel is profound, for better or for worse. For example, his assertion that you can know that you're a sinner because you break the Ten Commandments and that you need to trust in Jesus to be saved from your sin feels so contemporary—I can't help but think of all the evangelistic encounters on YouTube that "get" sinners with the Decalogue. We just assume that this articulation is the full story, with all of its assumptions. (I noticed, however, that Luther does not mention "heaven". And even if he did, I wonder if our understandings of heaven would be the same.)
Question(s). Given that observation, I understand that my question might be anachronistic since, from my understanding, final salvation was really what was at stake for Luther. Nevertheless, How does sanctification in this life happen for Luther? He definitely acknowledges that we have a daily sin problem, here on earth, but how do we make actual progress in holiness? Or would he think he already answers this question or that this question is missing his point?
It seems to me that he fuses justification and sanctification together and pushes it into the eschaton and that all we can do here on earth is believe in Scripture and the Gospel in it, take the Holy Supper and pray for forgiveness (obviously an oversimplification). Even though this might not have been a contemporary question for him, I do wonder what insights he would have to share with us today because, of course, we are in a discipleship crisis where the question of sanctification and growing in Christ matter deeply. (I still think Bonhoeffer is an essential perspective today as begins to develop sanctification from a Lutheran perspective and we can look to him for some insight).
September 29, 2021
Den nya översättningen som kyrkan gör innehåller ett antal diskussionsfrågor som förefaller mig suspekta, eftersom de tillskriver mänskliga värderingar på Gud, som ju annars skulle nås via skriften allena. Allt detta är inte dåligt, inte alls - till exempel avsnittet om Luthers användning av Simul är jätteintressant - men det hör inte självklart hemma här, och tvingar till tolkning, på ett sätt som Luther i denna skrift försökte undvika.
I sig är Luthers förklaringar slående, och uppmanande till ett bättre liv. Det är tydligt att Luthers förklaringar på budorden av är den karaktären att de för dem bortom regler att följa, till beteendemönster i positiv, aktiv, bemärkelse. Det hedrar honom, och ställer honom bland moralfilosoferna, bortom regelteologer.
Rekommenderas för läsning, och tidvis omläsning. I mitt fall aktualiserades läsningen av ett citat som tillskrivs Napoleon, om hur användbar Luthers fostran var för att motverka korruption.
I sig är Luthers förklaringar slående, och uppmanande till ett bättre liv. Det är tydligt att Luthers förklaringar på budorden av är den karaktären att de för dem bortom regler att följa, till beteendemönster i positiv, aktiv, bemärkelse. Det hedrar honom, och ställer honom bland moralfilosoferna, bortom regelteologer.
Rekommenderas för läsning, och tidvis omläsning. I mitt fall aktualiserades läsningen av ett citat som tillskrivs Napoleon, om hur användbar Luthers fostran var för att motverka korruption.
January 22, 2014
There are some very helpful and insightful things in this brief document. Well worth the time it takes to read. Particularly, I enjoyed seeing other ways of explaining doctrine, of doing morning and evening devotions, of confessing sins in a Protestant setting, and of praying.
April 11, 2012
This along with Luther's "A Simply Way to Pray" provide a solid doctrinal and experiential foundation for the Christian life. Worth the time to read and study.
December 28, 2024
I haven't intentionally read through the Small Catechism, cover to cover, since I was in Confirmation Class as a middle schooler. Opened it and read portions here and there, sure, but not in its entirety. I found a one-year reading plan that allowed me to incorporate it into my daily devotional time, and this is a practice I will return to regularly every couple of years, at least, going forward, mixed with some other "confessional reading" plans. While I enjoyed this updated edition, I must admit that there were places I missed the familiar terminology I had to memorize as a confirmand.
September 1, 2025
Me sorprendió tanto el tema de la presencia real en el luteranismo y sobre el tema de la confesión y absolución de los pecados por parte de la Iglesia basado en el evangelio de Juan.
August 17, 2021
As a Lutheran myself, I thought it to be a good idea to re-read this small, classic theological work. Lutherans have the Small Catechism and the Large Catechism. The former is geared towards children (I read it during Confirmation), which means it is rather simplistic. This is good if you want to know basic doctrinal teachings of most Lutherans. However, it does not discuss the beliefs in-depth; it simply lists the beliefs and cites Bible verses to support those beliefs, all in a standard question-and-answer format. Topics include the Ten Commandments, The [Apostles'] Creed, The Lord's Prayer [Our Father], The Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, The Sacrament of the Altar [Eucharist], Daily Prayers, Table of Duties [how religious leaders, citizens, parents, etc. should act], and Christian Questions with Their Answers.
One misconception is that Lutheranism, since it is Protestant, is the same as mainstream evangelicalism. This is not the case. Luther himself was a Catholic, so many of his beliefs appear to be close with Catholic practices. Of course, it is quite different as well. The biggest areas of difference between many Lutheran churches and evangelicalism (as well as Catholicism, in some aspects) concerns the Eucharist and Baptism.
I recommend the Small Catechism for those who have little to no knowledge of Lutheranism and want to learn more. The next book I would recommend (to myself as well, as I have not read it) is the Large Catechism.
One misconception is that Lutheranism, since it is Protestant, is the same as mainstream evangelicalism. This is not the case. Luther himself was a Catholic, so many of his beliefs appear to be close with Catholic practices. Of course, it is quite different as well. The biggest areas of difference between many Lutheran churches and evangelicalism (as well as Catholicism, in some aspects) concerns the Eucharist and Baptism.
I recommend the Small Catechism for those who have little to no knowledge of Lutheranism and want to learn more. The next book I would recommend (to myself as well, as I have not read it) is the Large Catechism.
June 28, 2017
This is an even shorter read than the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The biggest takeaway for me would have to be the short, pointed explanations of each of the Ten Commandments and the positive look at how we are supposed to follow each commandment. I can see how this would be a great way to teach children what the purpose of each commandment is and how we honor God through our actions.
Even if you're not a Lutheran (which I'm not), this is a good Catechism to read through and refresh yourself on basic theology. I give this four out of five stars because I'm still scratching my head over the section about the "Confessor" and confessing one's sins to him. Is this a leftover of his Roman Catholic training? Is this something Lutherans do? I'm honestly ignorant here, so I'd be interested in knowing these answers and when this was written.
Even if you're not a Lutheran (which I'm not), this is a good Catechism to read through and refresh yourself on basic theology. I give this four out of five stars because I'm still scratching my head over the section about the "Confessor" and confessing one's sins to him. Is this a leftover of his Roman Catholic training? Is this something Lutherans do? I'm honestly ignorant here, so I'd be interested in knowing these answers and when this was written.
January 8, 2017
While there were very few objections to be had, I must say that I expected the Catechism to have more of a feeling of refutation toward the Roman catholic church. It was more of an exposition on the primary doctrines and especially the sacraments of the Christian faith. It may have been worth trudging through just to get to the appendix where you see some of the fiery Luther expressed in his rebuke of the parishes in Germany. I highly recommend a look at the explanation of Baptism, which I really enjoyed and was challenged with.
November 7, 2017
I read this book for the first time at about the age of 12 or 13 when participating in confirmation class at the church I grew up in. It really does contain a tremendous amount of knowledge and explanation regarding the Lutheran religion. I continue to look to it for answers from time to time as an adult.
June 29, 2013
If you want to understand Christianity, this is the book to start reading ... besides the Bible, of course. Martin Luther wrote this to detail the basics of Christianity. It's for the home. It's for everyone.
June 3, 2019
Luther's Small Catechism is a model of Protestant catechesis for families. Lutheran particulars certainly shine through, but they adds to the richness of the catechism because he does not fall victim to Calvinist asceticism or the pietism that so plagued other Protestant communities.
December 5, 2020
This is a cute little catechism, but it becomes very obvious, very quickly just how much Martin Luther wanted to simply reform the Roman Catholic Church rather than tear the whole thing down and start again.
December 12, 2021
A wonderful book for the education of young and old alike. Concise and clear, with references to scripture made at every point. If you had only this book to study from in addition to the Bible, you've got a decent theological education.
November 12, 2018
By itself, Martin Luther's Small Catechism is already a 5-star read, providing an unsurpassed tool for explaining the basics of the historic Christian faith: the Ten Commandments, the Apostle's Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession and Absolution, and the Sacrament of the Altar. In addition, Luther provides a model for prayers to the morning, evening, and mealtimes, as well as a list of Scriptures for various vocations.
This new edition of the Catechism kicks things up a notch with its Explanation, which provides Scriptural references to support each of the original Catechism's points and further elaborate on the many nuances found therein. Each section also ends with a related psalm, hymn, and prayer for devotional use. There is also a helpful appendix that includes an explanation on the helpfulness of creeds and confessions, a list of principles for reading the Bible in the proper (i.e. Christ-focused) manner, a definition of worship, a model for prayer adapted from Luther's "A Simple Way to Prayer," an outline for salvation through Christ and His Cross, Luther's original preface to the first edition of the Catechism, an explanation of Luther's Seal (i.e. the Lutheran Rose), a list of the canonical books of the Bible with pronunciation guides, a historical overview of the intertestamental period, an explanation and diagram of the historic Church Year, a list of feast days and festivals, a list of Christian symbols with their definitions, glossaries for worship terms and theological terms used throughout the book, and indices for both the Scriptural references and the subjects found through the Catechism and Explanation. There's even a "Short Form of Baptism" for emergencies on the inside back cover of this beautifully bound hardback.
Anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the historical Christian faith will find this edition of the Small Catechism to be invaluable.
This new edition of the Catechism kicks things up a notch with its Explanation, which provides Scriptural references to support each of the original Catechism's points and further elaborate on the many nuances found therein. Each section also ends with a related psalm, hymn, and prayer for devotional use. There is also a helpful appendix that includes an explanation on the helpfulness of creeds and confessions, a list of principles for reading the Bible in the proper (i.e. Christ-focused) manner, a definition of worship, a model for prayer adapted from Luther's "A Simple Way to Prayer," an outline for salvation through Christ and His Cross, Luther's original preface to the first edition of the Catechism, an explanation of Luther's Seal (i.e. the Lutheran Rose), a list of the canonical books of the Bible with pronunciation guides, a historical overview of the intertestamental period, an explanation and diagram of the historic Church Year, a list of feast days and festivals, a list of Christian symbols with their definitions, glossaries for worship terms and theological terms used throughout the book, and indices for both the Scriptural references and the subjects found through the Catechism and Explanation. There's even a "Short Form of Baptism" for emergencies on the inside back cover of this beautifully bound hardback.
Anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of the historical Christian faith will find this edition of the Small Catechism to be invaluable.
November 17, 2023
"Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation" is a timeless and foundational resource that delves into the core teachings of Martin Luther, offering profound insights into the Christian faith. This catechism serves as a concise yet comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to understand Luther's theological perspectives.
One of the strengths of this work lies in its accessibility. Luther's explanations are clear and straightforward, making complex theological concepts more approachable for a wide range of readers. The catechism covers essential topics such as the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the sacraments, providing a solid foundation for Christian doctrine.
Additionally, the book goes beyond a mere presentation of doctrinal points; it offers practical explanations that connect these teachings to everyday life. Luther's emphasis on understanding how faith informs daily living adds a practical and relevant dimension to the catechism.
For both individuals and congregations, "Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation" remains a valuable resource for spiritual growth and doctrinal understanding. Its enduring significance in the realm of Christian literature makes it a staple for those seeking a deeper grasp of Lutheran theology and a meaningful guide for living out their faith.
One of the strengths of this work lies in its accessibility. Luther's explanations are clear and straightforward, making complex theological concepts more approachable for a wide range of readers. The catechism covers essential topics such as the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the sacraments, providing a solid foundation for Christian doctrine.
Additionally, the book goes beyond a mere presentation of doctrinal points; it offers practical explanations that connect these teachings to everyday life. Luther's emphasis on understanding how faith informs daily living adds a practical and relevant dimension to the catechism.
For both individuals and congregations, "Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation" remains a valuable resource for spiritual growth and doctrinal understanding. Its enduring significance in the realm of Christian literature makes it a staple for those seeking a deeper grasp of Lutheran theology and a meaningful guide for living out their faith.
April 10, 2020
Luther created this "small" catechism for the youth of the day. These youth must have been pretty intelligent because he goes over topics such as the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, the Office of the Keys and Confession and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Each with an explanation of the intricacies and potential questions one would have. Both basic and difficult, this confession was added to the Book of Concord as a key expression of Lutheran doctrine. Very helpful.
July 13, 2024
Quite good! There are a couple points I would want to dig at further, but this book wasn't the format for detailed theology. Luther's anger at the medieval Church establishment comes through in a few places. The only part that perplexes me is his apparent need to jam all ethics and morality into the framework of the Ten Commandments, to the point that he massively extends and modifies their original meanings. I find that kind of problematic.
April 7, 2021
Largely Universal
Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopalian or other sacramental church goer with a foundation in the Latin Rite will recognize the theology and approach in Luther’s Small Catechism. It is, perhaps, a better reminder of our common faith foundation than as a 21st Century catechetical tool. Though it works for that as well.
Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopalian or other sacramental church goer with a foundation in the Latin Rite will recognize the theology and approach in Luther’s Small Catechism. It is, perhaps, a better reminder of our common faith foundation than as a 21st Century catechetical tool. Though it works for that as well.
June 4, 2023
I was confirmed in 1997 and worked through this in catechism classes. I had dipped in and out at various times since, to check that what I’m trenching/telling people is true Lutheran theology. I have re-read the whole book again now to refresh my memory as I am seeing much online debate between Calvinists and Provisionists/Arminians.
November 20, 2023
You can tell going through this Luther definitely knew what he was doing, it helps he had raised several children and went through this with them. Figuring out how he could explain things in such a way a child could in fact understand them. Of course it's got a Lutheran theological bent, but still plenty of good and useful things in here for everybody!
December 29, 2017
In this book, Luther reveals himself to not at all be the Protestant reformer, as we were sold in our churches. He suggests a highly demanding version of the Christian which seems to have little to do with grace and much to do with obedience as per class structure.
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