The Small Catechism1529: The Annotated Luther Study Edition

Timothy J. Wengert provides detailed background into the development of Luthers popular Small Catechism which began with Luthers early sermon series on the Ten Commandments the Lords Prayer and the Apostles Creed. Luther wrote his catechism because many requested he do so but also as a response to his 1528 visitation of parishes in Saxony and Meissen where he discovered an abysmal level of Christian instruction.Luthers Small Catechism explains the basics of Christian faith in a way resonant with his understanding of justification by faith which also implied for Luther the proper distinction between law and gospel. This is applied to his explanations of the parts of the Catechism. Wengerts translation also includes Luthers own preface to the 1531 edition the Sacrament of Baptism Sacrament of the Altar instructions to the head of the household Household Chart of Bible Passages Marriage Booklet for Pastors and Baptismal Booklet.This volume is excerpted from The Annotated Luther series volume 4 (Pastoral Writings). Each volume and selection in the series contains new introductions extensive annotations illustrations and notes to help shed light on Luthers context and to interpret his writings for today.