An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism; a Handbook for the Catechetical Class

by Joseph Stump

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Genres: Christianity, Religion

156 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

Reviews

[Ricky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a Presbyterian with Lutheran friends and sympathies. I found many interesting and helpful answers in here that, in my mind, close the gap between the Reformed and the Lutheran traditions. Still, there are some explanations or wordings that leave something to be desired, and honestly I am still unsure of the beliefs regarding the Eucharist, as I see different wordings and explanations from every source I go to. I found the one in this book agreeable, and not particularly at odds with what the Reformed believe, yet I see people constantly insisting that it is a great point of division between us. Then there is the Zwingli view, which as far as I can tell from his direct quotes, he doesn't hold that which people say he does but it closer to the reformed view. Perhaps I am missing some context, but I often feel as if people are looking for differences and controversies in theology. So much of it is the same belief but squabbling over semantics: words; which St. Paul warned us against.

But I digress, this book was helpful, despite a few odd typos where it appears lines got cut off early. I would recommend it to someone trying to better understand their Lutheran friends.

[Meghan Helzlsouer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my life-to-life group. I liked learning more about why we say what we say during worship. It was also a great reminder of my personal relationship with Christ.

[Connor Longaphie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic commentary

[Jonathan Teo Zin Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only issue with this is the Reformed Sabbatarian position he takes in his explanation of the Third Commandment

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An historical work that is fine for meditative reading; contains straight-forward, easy to comprehend, answers to questions based on a Scriptural content overview from the Bible's sixty-six books: The Ten Commandments, Creeds, Articles of Faith, the Lord's Prayer, and more. Overlap and repeat of topical Scriptures expands the horizon of thoughtful contemplation for the reader. "A well-known and widely used Epitome of Pontoppidan’s Explanation was made by Rev. H. U. Sverdrup, pastor, during 1849–1883, of Balestrand parish in Sogn, Norway. This received royal authorization in 1865."

- - Sample Excerpts:

147. When was this Saviour first promised to the world?
Immediately after the fall.
Gen. 3:15. The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.
148. When was Christ sent into the world?
In the fulness of time, that is, at the time which God Himself had determined and prepared.
Gal. 4:4. When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman.

149. What do you mean by saying that you believe in Jesus Christ?
That, with the confidence of my whole heart, I resign myself to Him as my only Saviour from sin, death and the power of the devil.
Acts 4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

154. How do the Scriptures show that Christ is both God and man?
They say: “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14.
155. Why must the Son of God become true man?
So that He could suffer and die for us men.
156. Why must our Saviour be true God?
So that His death and blood could have infinite power of atonement.
Heb. 2:14. He partook of flesh and blood, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.
Rom. 1:3–4. Jesus Christ was declared to be the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from the dead.

John 3:5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
1 Pet. 1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

232. Can the believer, then, by his own good works, be justified before God and be saved?
No; for this purpose our best works are of no use at all; we build the hope of our salvation alone upon Christ and His merits.
Luke 17:10. When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

- Other historical works that may be of interest to you:

The Other Friars: The Carmelite, Augustinian, Sack & Pied Friars in the Middle Ages by Frances Andrews

The Coming of the Friars by Augustus Jessopp

The Mission of Friar William of Rubruck: His Journey to the Court of the Great Khan Moengke, 1253-1255 by Peter Jackson

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the greatest catechism, but this was foundational to the faith of generations of Norwegian Lutherans.