Martin Luther wrote the Small Catechism, with its explanations of the chief parts of Christian belief, in 1529. He had become concerned by the fact that so many in the Church, pastors and laypeople, really didn't know what they confessed as Christians, their beliefs shrouded in ignorance and superstitions.
Beginning with the Ten Commandments, then proceeding through the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Luther wrote a little book in question-and-answer form designed to be used by parents at the dinner table with their children. Also included were Morning and Evening Prayers and Blessings at Meals.
In the intervening centuries, of course, Lutherans have tended not to pay attention to the Small Catechism after they are confirmed. That's too bad, because the Catechism can be a tremendous touchstone of our relationship with Christ, a reminder of the basics, and a comfort and a challenge to us as we grow in faith.
In addition, the Small Catechism, along with such documents as the Large Catechism, the Augsburg Confession, the Apology [or Explanation] to the Augsburg Confession, the Smalcald Articles, and the Formula of Concord, is one of the basic confessional wrirtings of Lutheran Christianity.
Each Sunday morning, we'll take some time to read a question and answer from the Small Catechism.
1 comment:
Would you please list them as they are presented each Sunday?
Laura
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