An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism with the Small Catechism

This book aims to present both an analysis of Luthers Small Catechism and a clear concise yet reasonably full explanation of its contents. It is an attempt upon the basis of twenty years experience and a study of the literature of the subject to meet the peculiar wants of the catechetical class in our Lutheran Church in America. The object of the book is twofold: first to furnish an outline of teaching which the pastor may use as a guide in his oral explanation and questioning; and secondly to furnish a sufficiently complete summary by means of which the catechumens may review the lesson and fix its salient points in their minds. No text-book can of course adequately supply the parenetical side of the catechetical instruction or take the place of the living exposition by the pastor. But it can and should support his work so that what he explains at one meeting may not be forgotten before the next meeting but may be fixed in the minds of the catechumens by study at home. Here we have included Luthers Small Catechism as well for reference and further education.