Luther's Large and Small Catechism

[davidhvoss]

What is your favorite part of Luther's Small Catechism? Is there anything you would like to see added to what we teach our children?

[Marcus Lupinius Paulus]

David,

I know this post of yours was written over a year ago, but it's never too late to pick up an ionteresting subject.

My favorite parts of the two catechisms are, believe it or not, Luther's Introductions. I get a kick of how he chews out the clergy of his day! "Woe to you forever"! And I like his advice that everyone should read a page or two everyday---though I do not do that myself.

Besides the introductions, I like Luther's treatment on the Ten Commandments most, since they are practical.

Which parts are your favorites?

Stuart

[pstrmry]

I don't even remember seeing this post before. I should scroll down more.

My favorite parts of LSC is always the part I am teaching in confirmation at any given time. We just finished up the 10 commandments, and in those, I really enjoy that ML goes beyond the "thou shalt nots" (what we avoid doing) to what we are called to intentionally do -- the "positive" sides of the commandment. Such as with # 8 -- not merely avoiding lying, slander about neighbor, but actively seeking to improve neighbors reputation. That sort of thing. And that the motive is ALWAYS "we should fear (awe/respect) and love God, so that....." Motivation to do any good work is empowered first by God, then our own loving, grateful response.

[Marcus Lupinius Paulus]

Pastor Mary,

How do the kids you teach like the class? How to do you interest them?
When I was in Jr High, confirmation class was the last place I wanted to be!

Stuart

[GreyBeard]

We really need both.
I was reminded of this last week when a friend challenged me on the Small Catechism meaning of the 8th commandment. He couldn't see how the commandment had anything to do with the meaning. The Large Catechism gives more of the thought process why "Do not bear false witness" means uphold and defend your neighbor's good name and reputation. That got me musing on how the Small Catechism was written for father's to use in teaching their children the truths of Scripture. It lays a good foundation, but doesn't necessarily produce maturity. The Large Catechism grapples with deeper issues and goes into more depth. It's not suited for the minds of children or spiritual babes.

Unfortunately, too many of the Lutherans sitting in our pews are satisfied that they were forced to memorize parts of the Small Catechism in Confirmation and see no need to seek spiritual maturity. I've been preaching through the Ten Commandments for Lent, using the Small Catechism meanings as a rough outline and drawing heavily on the Large Catechism and on Luther's Treatise on Good Works. This has been eye opening for many members who haven't really thought about the issues raised in the Commandments since Confirmation. I had the same reaction when I preached through the Apostle's Creed two years ago.

So, we need both. The Small Catechism to lay the foundations of faith and the Large Catechism to draw people to spiritual maturity.